On 20/3, Nha, 38; Lam Thi Kim Nuong, 43, and three others were arrested by the Economic Police Department (PC03) of Ho Chi Minh City Police for producing and trading counterfeit cosmetics.

Kieu Hoang Nha (second from right) and other suspects. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Police uncovered a closed-loop operation, from formulation to distribution, involving the production of counterfeit cosmetics. Authorities had previously identified a factory on Le Dinh Can street, owned by Nuong, suspected of manufacturing fake cosmetic products. A subsequent inspection led to the seizure of over 10,000 items bearing popular brand names such as OLAY, ABUTINE C3C, Bach Ngoc Lien, and Vaseline. Despite labels claiming "made in USA" or "made in Thailand," the suspects could not provide documentation to prove the origin of these products.

Investigations revealed Nha as the primary operator of the illicit scheme. Although her company held licenses for some cosmetic products and possessed product announcement dossiers, genuine products garnered little interest. Nha capitalized on her existing machinery and experience to shift operations toward counterfeiting.

Mixed creams were formulated at the factory using chemicals of unknown origin. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The group managed a comprehensive process, from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing to printing packaging and distribution. Nha personally formulated various fake creams under the OLAY, Vaseline, ABUTINE C3C, and Bach Ngoc Lien brands based on orders. She then transferred these semi-finished products to Nuong for final processing. Nuong operated a "factory" within a residential area in Tan Tao ward, where chemicals and base creams of unknown origin were manually mixed and bottled using rudimentary equipment in unsanitary conditions. To appeal to consumers' preference for foreign goods, the group affixed "made in USA" and "made in Thailand" labels to the products.

During the police raid, authorities confiscated thousands of fake products and hundreds of kilograms of unmixed chemicals. Nha attempted to dispose of goods to destroy evidence but officers prevented her actions.

A counterfeit mixed cream product. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Initial investigation findings indicate that the counterfeit products were sold wholesale for approximately 1,3 million VND per carton of 120 jars, equating to less than 11,000 VND per jar. These products were then marketed at significantly inflated prices through social media advertisements promising "rapid skin whitening" and "instant results."

From 2025 to date, the group has distributed a large quantity of counterfeit goods, illegally profiting an estimated billions of VND. Many consumers unknowingly used substandard products, posing potential health risks. Ho Chi Minh City Police are continuing to expand the investigation to clarify the roles of others involved. They also advise the public to choose cosmetics with clear origins and to be wary of "super-fast" beauty advertisements.

Quoc Thang