Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc, owner of the Dat Lanh Ao Dai fabric brand, was indicted on June 7 by the Economic Police Department (PC03) of Ho Chi Minh City Police. The indictment stems from an investigation into allegations of copyright infringement.

Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc indicted. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Investigators allege Ngoc copied images, processed them with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and then instructed her employees to modify the design files for mass production and sale. The investigation revealed that Ngoc was aware that designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam's "Thu tu pho thi" ao dai collection was protected by copyright, yet she proceeded with the infringement.

The PC03 launched its investigation following an initial tip-off from the Internal Political Security Department of Hanoi Police.

Evidence seized by police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The counterfeit goods were produced on an industrial scale, operating as a full-fledged business with high-capacity machinery and dedicated departments for design, production, logistics, and accounting. Ngoc promoted and sold these products through numerous social media accounts and a network of collaborators across various provinces, with a significant concentration in Hanoi.

The Copyright Protection Center confirmed the infringement, concluding that the ao dai fabric products manufactured and sold by Dat Lanh Ao Dai Company directly copied the protected design forms from Do Trinh Hoai Nam's collection.

Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc with infringing goods. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Furthermore, upon discovery of the incident, Ngoc reportedly instructed her employees to delete all data, messages, and posts from social media and internal groups to erase evidence and obstruct authorities.

Ho Chi Minh City Police are expanding the investigation to clarify all criminal acts and determine the responsibilities of other individuals and organizations involved.

By Quoc Thang