The Bac Ninh Provincial Police Investigation Security Agency recently arrested 12 individuals on charges of defrauding customers. The arrests are linked to a network that impersonated doctors to provide consultations, treatments, and sell beauty service packages.

According to the investigation, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha is accused of contributing capital to establish and operate four spa facilities: Korea Beauty Center 68 and Dong A Made U Totla Beauty Network in Bac Ninh province; Dong A Beauty Center in Hung Yen province; and Dong A Beauty Center in Phu Tho province.

These facilities allegedly engaged in false advertising and conducted medical examinations and treatments beyond their registered business scope. They exploited clients' desire for health care, beauty enhancements, and treatment of gynecological issues to attract customers.

Police inspect the Dong A Made U Totla Beauty Network facility in Bac Ninh province. Photo: Provided by Police

Individuals without qualifications treated clients

Police reported that none of the four facilities were licensed to operate as medical examination and treatment centers.

To attract clients, the group advertised highly effective services at costs ranging from only 199,000 VND to 599,000 VND, promising complete treatment and long-term warranties. They also claimed to have experienced doctors and specialists from major hospitals in Ha Noi directly conducting examinations using high-tech machinery and equipment.

However, investigators determined that those introduced as doctors and cosmetic specialists lacked medical degrees or professional practice certificates.

During examinations, the group allegedly intentionally presented false results or exaggerated medical conditions to alarm clients.

Notably, police identified a case where an individual, who had only completed 9th grade and worked as a shipper, still participated in treating clients. This included procedures such as scar injection treatment, facial wrinkle reduction injections, and gynecological cosmetic surgery.

Police search the Dong A Beauty Center facility in Vinh Phuc ward, Phu Tho province. Photo: Provided by Police

Using 'decoys' to lure clients

According to investigators, the facilities prepared numerous scripts to retain and persuade clients to use their services.

The group arranged for individuals to pose as successfully treated clients. These decoys would approach new clients, share their experiences, and entice them to sign up for service packages.

After causing clients to worry about their health or appearance, they would then introduce intensive treatment packages priced at tens of millions of VND. Clients who paid in full would sign commitments and receive treatment cards.

Using these tactics, investigators initially determined that the network illegally profited billions of VND.

Machines and equipment used by the suspects for treatment and defrauding customers. Photo: Provided by Police

During searches of the facilities on 11/5, police seized over 60 types of medicine, cosmetics, syringes, gynecological speculums, surgical thread, scalpel blades, ultrasound gel, and various other medical supplies.

Many products lacked secondary labels and did not indicate the manufacturer or origin.

Investigators also confiscated over 50 machines, including OPT Light Doctor, Picoway, Space Oxygen, and Hironic Doblo-V. Police stated that these devices also lacked secondary labels, invoices, or documents proving their origin.

Authorities believe these machines and medical supplies were used to facilitate the acts of customer deception.