Five suspects charged in counterfeit food additive production ring in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh detectives services.
Ho Chi Minh City Police have prosecuted and detained five suspects for their alleged involvement in a counterfeit food additive production and distribution network operating in Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh Province.
According to investigators, Nguyen Van Dai was the ringleader, Ho Chi Minh detective agency.
He allegedly purchased raw materials of unknown origin, repackaged them into counterfeit packaging bearing well-known brands, and sold the products to the market.
The warehouse was managed by Pham Thi Phuong, while the remaining three suspects handled transportation and distribution.
On April 23, authorities simultaneously searched multiple locations linked to the operation. They seized nearly 150 kg of counterfeit monosodium glutamate (MSG), more than 52 kg of fake seasoning powder, and nearly 548 kg of counterfeit detergent.
Officers also confiscated over 160 kg of raw materials of unknown origin, along with counterfeit packaging, labels, and production equipment.
Investigators said the suspects had acquired more than 1.1 tonnes of MSG raw materials and around 300 kg of seasoning powder ingredients of unknown origin to manufacture counterfeit products.
The investigation is ongoing to identify additional individuals and distribution channels connected to the case.