On 6/5, Tran Minh Thu, director of Thu Tran Hon Import-Export Trading and Production Co., Ltd., and three others were temporarily detained by the Economic Police Department (PC03) of Ho Chi Minh City Police. They face charges of producing and trading counterfeit food, foodstuffs, and food additives.
Investigators are expanding the case to clarify the responsibilities of individuals and organizations assisting in the distribution of these illicit products in the market.
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Female director Tran Minh Thu and employees arrested. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
The arrests followed an investigation by PC03, which had identified Thu Tran Hon Import-Export Trading and Production Co., Ltd., located in Cho Lon Ward, as potentially producing and trading fake acetic vinegar with a fraudulent Korean origin. During an urgent search of the company's warehouse and headquarters, authorities seized 198 cartons of various chemicals.
Investigators determined that the company was not licensed to produce chemicals. Despite this, since 9/2025, Thu has directed her employees to manufacture fake vinegar. The group sourced industrial acetic acid from Taiwan, mixed it with water, and then bottled it into containers and cartons bearing labels of genuine Korean vinegar for sale.
From 9/2025 until now, this operation has produced over 500 cartons and containers of fake vinegar, generating significant illicit gains.
Employees describe the fake vinegar mixing process. *Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
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Evidence seized by police. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
According to police, industrial acetic acid is not a natural fermentation product. It is commonly used in textile dyeing and wood processing. If consumed, it can cause poisoning, mucosal burns, and damage to the liver and kidneys due to heavy metal residues like lead and arsenic. High concentrations can even lead to death.
Quoc Thang
