On 13/2, Than and several individuals were temporarily detained by the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police for producing and trading counterfeit goods.
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The suspects in temporary detention. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Previously, scouts from the Economic Police Department, in coordination with police from Binh Duong, Thuan Giao, Binh Hoa, and Binh Co wards (formerly Binh Duong province), simultaneously inspected the residences of Than's group.
Authorities uncovered a closed-loop counterfeit production line, featuring three heat presses and four electronic scales. Seized evidence included 948 bags of MSG, 367 bags of seasoning powder, 592 bottles of fish sauce, and 130 bags of laundry detergent, all fully packaged and mimicking familiar market brands.
Investigators also sealed a raw material warehouse used for making counterfeit goods. This included nearly one ton of Fufeng brand MSG, 125 kg of Bep Do brand seasoning powder, over 900 kg of various laundry detergents, and 1,545 unlabeled bottles of fish sauce. Additionally, 1,600 fake packages from major brands were confiscated.
This operation occurred as the Ho Chi Minh City Police launched a peak campaign to combat crime and ensure security and order during Tet Binh Ngo 2026.
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Fake MSG packages bearing well-known brands. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
According to the police, the group's method involved purchasing various cheap, unverified quality raw materials and spices, often in large bags. They then ordered fake packaging identical to genuine products, using heat presses for sophisticated repackaging and sealing to deceive consumers.
These counterfeit products were primarily distributed to small convenience stores, infiltrating residential areas.
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Fish sauce products made from cheap ingredients. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
The group admitted that despite knowing these fake products directly impact public health, they continued the operation for profit.
Than, who played a pivotal role, confessed that since early 2025, he had supplied tens of tons of substandard raw materials and fake packaging to other distributors to organize counterfeit production.
Nhat Vy
