On June 21, 2025, at around 10 AM, the Economic Police Department (PC03) of Ho Chi Minh City conducted a significant raid on two cosmetics companies: Thanh Thúy Cosmetics Co. Ltd., led by Võ Thành Tâm, and Mỹ Trinh Cosmetics Co. Ltd., directed by his wife, Ngô Ánh Hồng. The inspection uncovered a large-scale counterfeit operation producing fake medicated oils and skin care products, including the well-known "Eagle Brand Medicated Oil" from Singapore, Thai moisturizing creams, Thai "Ông Già" oil, and Korean roll-on oils. These products were neither registered for production nor authorized for sale by the companies involved.
At the time of the inspection, 15 employees were found actively engaged in manufacturing and storing these counterfeit goods. Initially, Tâm, Hồng, and the employees denied any wrongdoing. However, after a thorough investigation involving the collection of electronic data and documentary evidence, the couple confessed to masterminding and directing the production of these fake products for illegal profit.
The investigation revealed that since 2022, Võ Thành Tâm and Ngô Ánh Hồng have been the ringleaders of this sophisticated counterfeiting ring. Tâm was responsible for researching and formulating the chemical compositions of the fake medicated oils, while Hồng sourced raw materials and packaging components from the black market. Together, they orchestrated the entire manufacturing process, which included filling bottles with chemical mixtures, labeling, packaging, and sealing the products to mimic genuine brands.
The counterfeit production was carried out on a large scale at their facility located in Hamlet 2, Xuân Thới Thượng Commune, Hóc Môn District. The operation churned out seven types of fake "Eagle Brand Medicated Oil," totaling nearly 70,000 bottles. The market value of these counterfeit goods, had they been genuine, would exceed 6 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $250,000). In addition to the medicated oils, authorities seized hundreds of thousands of other fake products such as medicated oils and skin creams, which are still under investigation.
To facilitate their illicit business, Tâm and Hồng maintained close control over the production and distribution network. They equipped the Thanh Thúy Cosmetics production site with a dedicated mobile phone to coordinate orders and dispatch shipments. When customers placed orders, either Tâm or Hồng would instruct employees to package and deliver the counterfeit products from their warehouses.
On June 30, 2025, based on the evidence gathered, the Ho Chi Minh City Police officially charged Võ Thành Tâm and Ngô Ánh Hồng with "Producing and trading counterfeit goods that are curative or preventive medicines," as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 194 of the 2015 Vietnamese Criminal Code. Alongside them, 17 other individuals who assisted in the operation were also indicted and temporarily detained.
The police emphasized the gravity of the crime, noting that the counterfeit products posed significant health risks to consumers who might unknowingly use fake medicines instead of genuine therapeutic products. This case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which can undermine public health and consumer trust.
Authorities continue to expand their investigation to identify additional accomplices and dismantle the broader counterfeit network. The seized counterfeit goods remain under scrutiny as police work to trace their distribution channels and prevent further circulation in the market.
The case has drawn public attention to the importance of vigilance in purchasing medicinal and cosmetic products, especially those imported from abroad. Experts warn that counterfeit goods not only deceive consumers but may also contain harmful substances that could cause adverse health effects.
In a statement reflecting on the investigation, a police spokesperson said, "The actions of Võ Thành Tâm and Ngô Ánh Hồng, as the masterminds behind this counterfeit production ring, have seriously violated the law and endangered public health. We are committed to pursuing all involved parties and ensuring that justice is served." The spokesperson also urged consumers to verify the authenticity of products and report suspicious goods to authorities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit medicines and cosmetic products in Vietnam's expanding consumer market. As the government strengthens regulatory oversight and law enforcement capabilities, cases like this underscore the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between authorities, businesses, and consumers to protect public health and safety.
