The Anti-Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crime Investigation Police Department (C03) under the Ministry of Public Security has charged seven individuals with copyright and related rights infringement, as per Article 225 of the Penal Code. This action follows a directive from the Prime Minister to combat, prevent, and address intellectual property infringement.

Initial investigations reveal that BH Media Company and its associates profited approximately 6 billion VND. BH Media then disbursed funds to its partners based on agreed-upon percentages, with each partner receiving billions of VND.

As part of the ongoing case against Bihaco Media and Service Joint Stock Company (BH Media Company), C03 has charged Nguyen Hai Binh, the general director and vice chairman of the Vietnam Association for Creative and Copyright.

The initial investigation indicates that Binh, in his capacity as BH Media Company's legal representative, entered into contracts with numerous venues and organizations hosting music events. BH Media subsequently recorded and filmed these musical performances, then edited, copied, and uploaded them to various YouTube channels without obtaining permission from the authors or copyright holders.

Testifying to the police, Binh admitted to the wrongdoing. He stated that he had "not sought permission or paid author royalties, thereby violating the Intellectual Property Law" up until his arrest. The defendant urged the public to understand intellectual property law and obtain necessary permissions before engaging in related activities.

Singer Quang Lap at the investigation agency. *Photo: Ministry of Public Security*

In connection with the case, C03 has also charged Diep Van Lap, 45, known as singer Quang Lap and owner of Giong ca de doi Center.

Quang Lap is accused of organizing performances, recording and filming artists at his center, then editing and duplicating the content. His center subsequently contracted with BH Media Company to upload these infringing music products to YouTube.

Furthermore, C03 has charged Vo Van Nam, director of Lululola Entertainment Company Limited; Nguyen Minh Duc, owner of the Doi Mat Troi business household; and Ngo Thanh Tung, owner of the Thong Zeo business household, all linked to the 1900 Group case. Also charged are Vo Hoang Viet and Nguyen Trung Truong Huy, directors of May Sai Gon Company Limited.

Truong Huy, a businessman and media expert, co-founded the May Lang Thang music stage chain with Vo Hoang Viet, operating under May Sai Gon Company Limited. While they obtained permission to host music performances, the company later recorded, edited, and duplicated these events into numerous distinct works.

The May Sai Gon group subsequently partnered with BH Media Company to upload this content to YouTube channels.

Nguyen Hai Binh (left, top) and five other defendants at the investigation agency. *Photo: Ministry of Public Security*

C03 is expanding its investigation, aiming to fully recover illicit assets. The department is also guiding local police nationwide to address similar acts of intellectual property, copyright, and related rights infringement.

Authorities urge individuals and organizations to proactively cease infringing activities, declare their actions, and rectify any consequences. Those who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible for legal leniency.