Two Chinese nationals accused of selling fake gold to multiple stores

A group of suspects allegedly used a copper and tungsten alloy coated with a thin layer of gold to create fake jewelry, then rented cars to travel across various provinces and cities to sell them to gold shops.

On 19/7, the Hai Phong City Police Investigation Agency Office announced the dismantling of an inter-provincial fraud ring. This operation, involving Chinese and Vietnamese individuals, focused on selling fake gold. The arrests occurred on 25/6, following a special investigation.

Four suspects have been apprehended: Chen Zhizhi, 38, and Tang Liang, 39, both Chinese nationals; Nguyen Thi Lua, 31, residing in Dan Phuong district, Hanoi, and originally from Phu Tho; and Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, 25, originally from Bat Xat, Lao Cai.

Investigators revealed the suspects crafted the fraudulent jewelry using a copper and tungsten alloy, which was then coated with a thin layer of gold. This sophisticated method made it difficult for gold shop owners to detect the fakes through standard checks. To evade capture, the group consistently rented cars and moved across different locations, posing as ordinary customers selling gold.

The investigation began after a gold shop in Hai Phong reported purchasing fake jewelry from the group on 31/5, suffering nearly 150 million VND in damages. Authorities launched a special investigation, leading to the suspects' arrest on 25/6 as they attempted to commit further crimes in Ha Tinh. Beyond Hai Phong and Ha Tinh, the group is implicated in numerous frauds in Nghe An and Thanh Hoa.

Further expanding the inquiry, police searched the residence of Sung Thi Hoan, 26, at the Lam Vien apartment complex in Cam Duong ward, Lao Cai province. This search yielded an additional 8 bracelets, 7 rings, and 4 necklaces made of rose-gold colored metal. In total, authorities confiscated approximately 1.32 kg of "fake gold," along with various pieces of jewelry, phones, and cash.