On 25/12, the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police temporarily detained Tran Quoc Te, 37, director of An Loc Phat Mien Nam Energy Limited Liability Company, along with Le Hong Van, 51, Pham Thien Den, 37, and Pham Tan Phat, 33. They face charges of producing and trading counterfeit goods.

4 suspects arrested. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Investigations revealed that Te exploited his position as director of An Loc Phat Mien Nam Energy Limited Liability Company, a licensed gas trading business, to orchestrate the illegal operation. He used the company's legitimate status as a front to conceal their illicit activities.

The group installed pumping and refilling systems, transferring gas directly from tankers into cylinders of various protected brands. These operations proceeded despite failing to meet essential fire safety and technical standards.

Police described the group's methods as sophisticated. The counterfeiting process was not completed at a single location. Instead, gas refilling into empty cylinders occurred at the warehouse, while final stages, including heat-shrinking seals and affixing fake labels, were carried out at delivery points or retail stores.

This strategy minimized the risk of detection as counterfeit goods during transport inspections.

Fake gas refilling system seized by police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

To sell their products, the group exploited the market's demand for low prices, offering fake gas at 30% to 50% less than genuine products. Transactions were often conducted via messaging applications that featured automatic content deletion.

Investigators found that several stores knowingly colluded with the group, providing empty cylinders and locations for Te's associates to affix fake labels. This established a closed distribution chain for the illicit gas. The Vi Van Tin gas store, formerly in District 6 and owned by Van, was identified as a key accomplice.

During searches of the suspects' operational sites, police seized pumping systems, heat guns, transport vehicles, and a large quantity of gas cylinders, empty cylinders, fake labels, and counterfeit shrink wrap. Forensic examination confirmed all seized items were counterfeit.

Fake gas cylinders seized by police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Investigators highlighted that the group's illegal refilling operations posed a significant risk of fire and explosion, endangering residents in surrounding areas.

The investigation is ongoing.

Quoc Thang