On 1/7, Luu The Quynh, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuan, and Le Tran Thao were temporarily detained by the Investigation Police Agency Office (PC01) of Ho Chi Minh City Police. They face charges of violating regulations on medical examination and treatment and trading prohibited goods.

This action by investigators follows a directive from Ho Chi Minh City Police leadership to intensify efforts against violations in medical examination, treatment, and the trade of medicines and pharmaceuticals.

Three suspects arrested. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

The at-home skin whitening appointment

According to the investigation, on the evening of 23/2, a 34-year-old woman searched online for "at-home infusion services" and contacted a website. Investigators identified Quynh as the operator of this website. He also established a Zalo group to connect and coordinate individuals to perform injections as requested by clients.

After consulting and finalizing the service, Quynh shared the client's information within the group chat. Thuan, a member of the group, agreed to perform the service.

Around 9:30 PM on the same day, Thuan arrived at the victim's apartment in the CitiEsto complex (formerly Thu Duc City). She injected solutions identified as Glutax 50000000GS, Laroscorbine Palladium E-UF PN, and Placenta, with the stated purpose of skin whitening.

Immediately after the infusion, the woman began shivering, experienced difficulty breathing, and became exhausted. She died before being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

33 instances of smuggling skin whitening products from Thailand

Investigators stated that the injection was performed illegally, outside of authorized medical facilities. Furthermore, the solutions used were not approved for circulation or import into Vietnam by the Ministry of Health.

Expanding the investigation, police identified Thao as the supplier of these unauthorized products.

According to the case file, from May 2025 to March this year, Thao smuggled skin whitening products from Thailand into Vietnam on 33 occasions. The total value of these smuggled goods was 2.94 billion VND, from which Thao profited over 340 million VND. A search of Thao's residence uncovered hundreds of boxes of products lacking invoices, documents, and clear origin.

Ho Chi Minh City Police advises people not to use at-home injection or infusion services or any unauthorized products. All cosmetic procedures and medical examinations should be performed at authorized medical facilities to ensure safety.