On 20/5, Nguyen Tran Viet Hoang, owner of the K.W Sneaker business household, was temporarily detained by the Economic Police Department (PC03) of Ho Chi Minh City Police for investigation into industrial property rights infringement.

Nguyen Tran Viet Hoang at the investigative agency. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Following an investigation, police, in coordination with various functional forces, unexpectedly raided three retail locations operated by the K.W Sneaker business household, represented by Hoang. These establishments are located on Huynh Van Nghe Street, Quang Trung Street (former An Hoi Tay Ward, Go Vap District), and Truong Chinh Street (Tan Binh Ward).

Inside the stores, authorities discovered and seized nearly 1,500 pairs of counterfeit shoes and sandals bearing renowned brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Onitsaku Tiger. The total value of the seized infringing goods is estimated at over VND 3.3 billion.

Police search a store selling fake 'designer' shoes. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police

During questioning at the investigative agency, Hoang admitted to selling counterfeit shoes and sandals since 2/2023. These goods were acquired from online groups, lacking any invoices or documents to prove their origin.

Investigators determined that despite knowing these were counterfeit goods, Hoang continued to import and sell them for profit due to their low cost, easy marketability, and high profit margins. To date, the system has sold thousands of pairs of shoes and sandals, generating illicit profits exceeding VND 1 billion.

Nearly 1,500 pairs of counterfeit branded shoes and sandals were seized. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

This action by Ho Chi Minh City Police comes as the Prime Minister has directed the Minister of Public Security to intensify efforts against intellectual property rights infringement and during a 45-day peak period for crime suppression.

Ho Chi Minh City Police warned businesses that all acts of selling counterfeit branded products and infringing on intellectual property rights will be handled severely. Authorities also advised consumers not to be swayed by low prices into buying fake goods and urged the public to report any discoveries to the nearest police agency.

Quoc Thang