In July 2024, Pham Quang Linh (Quang Linh Vlogs) and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang (Hang Du Muc) discussed investing 5 billion VND to establish a company specializing in livestreaming, promotion, and online sales. They invited Le Thanh Cong, Linh's friend, Linh's sister, and others to join the venture.

During their planning, Cong suggested producing vegetable-based candy, noting the booming domestic functional food market. He also wanted to gift the product to Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien (Miss Grand International 2021), who "doesn't like vegetables." Tien knew Quang Linh, having co-founded a company distributing the French perfume brand Adopt' in Vietnam.

The group agreed to have Thuy Tien "join" the Kera candy business.

Hang Du Muc and Quang Linh Vlogs during a promotion. Photo: FBNV

Hang Du Muc and Quang Linh Vlogs during a promotion. Photo: FBNV

According to the investigation, Thuy Tien held a 25% stake in Chi Em Rot Corporation (CER), while the other six shareholders, including Cong, held the remaining 75%. Cong secured an office in Ho Chi Minh City and contacted manufacturers to produce the candy.

Le Tuan Linh served as director and legal representative, handling company registration and staffing. The three key opinion leaders (KOLs)—Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc, and Quang Linh Vlogs—managed video production, product introductions, and livestream sales. Tien also served as the brand ambassador, attending events and charity activities.

With the plan finalized, Cong approached Nguyen Phong to develop the candy, referencing a popular Japanese jelly made from 80 vegetables. Hang Du Muc suggested researching a popular Chinese gummy candy.

Phong's company, ASIA LIFE, would produce Kera candy for Chi Em Rot.

ASIA LIFE's final recipe promised "two candies equal one plate of boiled greens, providing essential vitamins for busy individuals or those who dislike vegetables."

The advertised Kera candy product.

Cong urged Phong to begin production immediately for Hang Du Muc's large-scale Tiktok livestream sale on 12/12/2024. He cautioned, "Ensure consistent quality and daily supply. Hang Du Muc and Quang Linh Vlogs have detractors who might test the product, and we don't want trouble," the investigation revealed.

After 21 formula adjustments, Phong agreed to production on 5/12/2024. Simultaneously, legal documentation was prepared for the product launch.

Investigators found that Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc, and Quang Linh Vlogs, despite being product owners, showed no interest in the actual production process. They focused solely on Kera's online presentation and packaging.

Following Hang Du Muc's successful 12/12/2024 livestream, the group, seeing high profits, discussed production, but only for promotional videos.

Borrowing carrot fields for advertising

Scripted videos showcasing Kera's ingredient sources were created. For a promotional video at ASIA LIFE's factory, Phong purchased 10 types of fresh produce at Chi Em Rot's request. Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc, and Quang Linh Vlogs filmed the supposed production process, portraying Kera as made from fresh produce with modern equipment.

Thuy Tien at the allegedly "misrepresented" vegetable garden in January 2025. Photo: FBNV

Thuy Tien at the allegedly "misrepresented" vegetable garden in January 2025. Photo: FBNV

Lacking its own fields, ASIA LIFE borrowed a carrot field and rented a farm for the scripted video. Hang Du Muc edited the footage, adding music and narration about Kera's production. Quang Linh also filmed a promotional video in a Da Lat vegetable garden, claiming, "If you don't eat vegetables, buy this for fiber, vitamins, and nutrients."

Thuy Tien advertised: "Suitable for children over three and pregnant women. This 2000+ m2 factory is the first GMP-certified facility in Dak Lak. It's convenient to carry a small bottle while working or traveling. Take 2-3 candies after each meal for added fiber."

Investigators found numerous falsehoods in the videos, including claims of a 300-hectare farm, VietGap certifications, and candy containing extracts from 10 fresh vegetables.

Trusting the advertised benefits, 56,385 customers purchased 129,617 boxes of Kera candy, totaling 17.5 billion VND. C01 concluded that Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc, and Quang Linh Vlogs used false advertising to deceive consumers, earning 12.4 billion VND illegally. Thuy Tien received 6.8 billion VND, Quang Linh Vlogs 182 million VND, and Hang Du Muc 177 million VND.

As of 28/8, Chi Em Rot has refunded 1.3 billion VND to almost 3,800 customers who bought over 9,600 boxes.

Due to these alleged actions, C01 is seeking prosecution of Quang Linh Vlogs, Hang Du Muc, and Thuy Tien for consumer fraud under Article 198, Clause 2 of the Penal Code.

Other defendants, including Nguyen Phong, will be investigated separately for producing counterfeit food under Article 193 of the Penal Code.

Pham Du