Responding to petitions from voters in Quang Ngai Province, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on People’s Aspirations forwarded concerns to the Ministry of Public Security. Voters called for strict legal action against those who issued false quality certificates and permitted the sale of fake or substandard products, including celebrity endorsements of false advertising.

The Ministry confirmed it is ramping up efforts to prosecute large-scale fraud in food, supplements, and pharmaceutical sectors. In 2024 alone, police dismantled several major counterfeit networks, uncovering widespread regulatory breaches and corruption.

Regulatory officials implicated

Among the most serious cases was one involving Mediphar, where police seized over 100 tons of fake supplements across 900 brands. Fourteen individuals were prosecuted, including nine officials from the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety Authority. These individuals allegedly accepted bribes to approve false safety certifications for six manufacturers and issued more than 300 fake quality inspection reports.

Another case involved Chi Em Rot Group and Asia Life Corporation. Ten individuals were charged with fraud and false advertising, including internet influencers and public figures such as beauty queen Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, travel blogger Nguyen Thi Thai Hang (“Hang du muc”), and YouTuber Pham Quang Linh (“Quang Linh Vlogs”).

These individuals promoted “KERA vegetable candy” as a health supplement, claiming miraculous effects despite it being made primarily of sorbitol – a sweetener and laxative. Marketing misrepresented its origin, ingredients, and health benefits.

Counterfeit infant formula exposed

A separate investigation into Z Holding led to the prosecution of ten suspects for producing counterfeit Hiup 27 milk powder for children. Laboratory results showed that the product contained less than half of the micronutrients advertised. The company launched aggressive social media campaigns, featuring actors and influencers, falsely claiming the product could increase children’s height by 3–5cm in just three months, regardless of genetics or nutritional status.

Broader crackdown and zero-tolerance stance

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Public Security plans a sweeping crackdown on counterfeit goods and related corruption, emphasizing public health and consumer protection. Authorities vowed to root out all regulatory collusion and bribery under the policy of “no forbidden zones, no exceptions.”

The Ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unverified products, and report suspicious behavior. Public cooperation is key to eradicating counterfeit goods, it said, calling on people to use reporting tools like the Ministry’s hotline and the VNeID mobile app.

“Every citizen is a critical link in the fight against counterfeit and substandard products,” the Ministry said. “Changing consumer awareness and building a movement to reject fake goods is essential.”

Tran Thuong