Vietnamese police have revealed a major operation producing and selling 573 brands of counterfeit powdered milk, targeting vulnerable groups like diabetics, kidney patients, premature infants, and pregnant women.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Public Security announced charges against eight individuals for producing fake food products and violating accounting regulations.
The network distributed large quantities of counterfeit powdered milk across Hanoi and surrounding provinces, according to the police.
The investigation revealed that since August 2021, the suspects had established two companies (Rance Pharma and Hacofood Group) to make and sell the fake powdered milk.
They managed to produce an shocking 573 different brands, specifically aiming at individuals with health issues such as diabetes, kidney failure, and those in delicate conditions such as pregnancy or prematurity.
While the labels boasted premium ingredients such as bird’s nest extract, cordyceps, macadamia powder, and walnut powder, investigations found these claims to be entirely fabricated. Instead, the suspects used subpar raw materials and added questionable additives that posed health risks.
According to authorities, any powdered milk containing less than 70 per cent of the advertised ingredients would be classified as counterfeit.
Over the past four years, the suspects successfully marketed and sold these various products, leading to a shocking revenue of nearly VNĐ500 billion (US$21 million).
Binh Nguyen