Ho Chi Minh City police bust counterfeit perfume ring, seize nearly 20,000 bottles of luxury fragrances

The department announced on Friday that the ring was masterminded by Nguyen Ngoc Tho, 40, and his wife, Truong Thi Mai Hien, 41.

Beginning in early 2024, Tho, director of Nguyen Huong Development Production Trading Co., Ltd. in Tam Binh Ward, recognized a growing demand for scents.

He reportedly taught himself how to create fragrance blends and, together with his wife, purchased machinery, raw materials, and packaging resembling that of major luxury perfume brands including Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Burberry and Dior.

The couple rented a workshop on Cay Keo Street in Tam Binh Ward, which became their main production site.

Their family members participated in every stage of the counterfeiting process, from mixing formulas and bottling perfumes to printing labels and packaging finished products.

The counterfeit perfumes were marketed online through various apps and social media groups.

They were distributed to customers nationwide.

Following an extensive investigation, three task forces simultaneously raided Tho’s company office, warehouse, and production facility.

The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 20,000 bottles of fake perfume bearing famous brand names, along with large quantities of chemicals, alcohol, fragrance ingredients, computers, printers, stamping machines, labels, and other equipment used in the production process.

The police estimated the illegal profits at over VND15 billion (US$567,500).

Based on the evidence collected, investigators from the municipal department have initiated criminal proceedings, charging 11 individuals in connection with the ring.

The suspects face further investigation for producing and trading counterfeit goods, tax evasion, and other related offenses.