Ho Chi Minh City police bust ring that sold beef made from pork

The case was recently solved during an intensified crackdown on environmental crimes and food safety violations, as ordered by the director of the municipal Department of Public Security.

Investigators identified Nguyen Van Thai, 39, as the alleged mastermind behind the operation, assisted by Nguyen Van Thang, 36.

The two suspects, both residing in Ho Chi Minh City, have been arrested and indicted for violating food safety regulations.

According to investigators, since 2024, Thai had purchased sow pork thigh meat at VND110,000 (US$4.2) per kilogram and brought it to his house in Binh Tri Dong Ward.

The pork was cut into small pieces weighing around 200 grams each and soaked in water mixed with sodium metabisulphite to reduce the odor and alter the texture of the meat.

It was then machine-sliced into thin strips and soaked in pig blood to make it resemble beef before being sold for VND150,000 ($5.7) per kilogram.

Police said Thai also purchased low-cost frozen beef and soaked it in a sodium metabisulphite solution to make the meat appear fresher and extend its shelf life.

The treated beef was later sold for VND180,000 ($6.8) per kilogram.

Authorities estimated that Thai traded around 140 kilograms of fake beef made from sow pork and 120 kilograms of chemically treated frozen beef each day.

The products were mainly distributed in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly at Cau Market in Dong Hung Thuan Ward and Tan Tru Market in Tan Son Ward.

In February 2026, Thai allegedly hired Thang to help produce and sell the fake beef and chemically treated meat.

At the police station, both suspects admitted their involvement in the operation.

Investigators estimated that since 2024, Thai had sold more than 15 metric tons of fake beef and over 50 metric tons of chemically treated frozen beef, earning upwards of VND9 billion ($342,000).

According to authorities, sodium metabisulphite is a food additive commonly used as a preservative and antioxidant, but it is prohibited from the production and processing of pork and beef products.

Investigators said Thai and Thang admitted they were aware the substance was banned from pork and beef processing but continued the operation because of the high profits.

The investigation is being expanded to determine the responsibilities of individuals and organizations suspected of assisting the racket.