A massive counterfeit goods operation led by pharmacist Pham Ngoc Tien has been uncovered, with fake dietary supplements and medical equipment allegedly distributed to pharmacies and hospitals across Vietnam, according to police reports.

The Hanoi Economic Police Department (PC03) has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit production and distribution ring involving fake health supplements and medical equipment.

The operation was allegedly led by pharmacist Pham Ngoc Tien and his wife, Doan Thi Nguyet, who resided in Xa La Urban Area, Phuc La Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi.

According to authorities, the suspects established 17 companies, including six with import licenses and 11 responsible for domestic distribution.

In coordinated raids across 15 locations tied to the network, police seized 30 box-press molds, 28,531 boxes and 34,822 bottles of dietary supplements, 38,935 blister packs, 8,535 cartons filled with various packaging materials, nearly 100 boxes of labels, and an array of machines, production tools, and raw materials.

The total volume of seized counterfeit goods exceeded 100 tons, comprising fake dietary supplements and medical equipment with more than 100 different product codes.

Tien and Nguyet's companies allegedly supplied counterfeit goods to hundreds of entities and individuals across the country. Police have already begun recovering counterfeit items from various provinces, noting the wide diversity of product designs.

At the police station, the suspects admitted to producing and distributing counterfeit goods since 2020, targeting pharmacies and hospitals nationwide.

In response to the incident, the Department of Food Safety under the Ministry of Health announced on May 18 that it is cooperating with Hanoi’s Economic Police to provide information on health protection products registered by the companies in question. This will support the investigation and help authorities identify and verify the seized products.

In an official statement, the Department of Food Safety warned the public not to purchase or use any products resembling those shown in media reports during the ongoing investigation, in order to avoid health risks and financial losses.

The department added that once the Hanoi police investigation concludes, it will publish a full list of the counterfeit products on its website to help consumers avoid them.

Vo Thu