While Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, winner of Miss Grand International 2021, has been accused of illegally profiting more than VND 12 billion (approximately USD 473,000), her father has voluntarily paid VND 3.2 billion (about USD 126,000) to help mitigate the consequences of her actions.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, in the case involving customer deception at Chi Em Rot Group JSC, a total of over VND 14 billion (USD 552,000) has been deposited into the investigation agency’s holding account as restitution from defendants and related individuals.

On May 26 and June 16, 17, and 24, 2025, Mr. Nguyen Thuc T.T., the father of Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, made payments totaling VND 3.2 billion at his daughter’s request.

The younger sister of another defendant, Nguyen Thi Thai Hang (known online as "Hang Du Muc"), who is Chairwoman of the Board at Chi Em Rot Group JSC, also contributed over VND 2.1 billion (approx. USD 83,000) as restitution following her sister’s request.

Investigators have also frozen bank accounts held by four defendants: Nguyen Thi Thai Hang, Le Thanh Cong (board member), Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, and Le Tuan Linh (CEO and legal representative of the company), amounting to over VND 2.6 billion (USD 102,500).

Authorities stated that in an effort to boost sales and profits, Le Tuan Linh and Le Thanh Cong collaborated with several KOLs, including Hang, Pham Quang Linh (aka Quang Linh Vlogs), and Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien - all co-owners of the Kera candy brand. Leveraging their public influence, they orchestrated promotional campaigns, created scripted videos, and livestreamed sales on TikTok.

These influencers presented exaggerated claims about Kera’s health benefits, falsely advertising it as a fiber-rich substitute for vegetables made from 10 types of natural vegetables and fruits. Investigators confirmed that Kera candy was, in fact, a standard confectionery product made from pre-purchased vegetable powders and additives. The deception led consumers to trust and buy the product under false pretenses, generating illegal profits worth billions of dong.

Authorities stated that the group’s actions violated consumer protection laws and disrupted market order, stirring public outrage. Legal consequences are being pursued accordingly.

Further investigation into counterfeit Kera production

Investigators revealed that Nguyen Phong (Chairman) and Nguyen Pham Hong Vy (CEO and legal representative of Asia Company) directed their staff to manufacture Kera candy without using fresh, natural vegetables or VietGap-certified ingredients from Dalat and Dak Lak, as advertised.

Instead, they sourced pre-made vegetable powders and additives from suppliers. The required 28.13% vegetable powder content - stated on Kera’s product label - was falsified. Actual vegetable powder content ranged from just 0.61% to 0.75%, meaning only 2.16% to 2.66% of the declared amount was used.

Authorities determined this practice constituted the production of counterfeit goods (in terms of quality), resulting in illicit profits of over VND 2.9 billion (USD 114,000).

However, for now, only five individuals have been recommended for prosecution for deceiving customers. The ongoing investigation into Asia Company’s role in counterfeit production, tax violations, and similar acts involving other products remains incomplete.

Investigators confirmed that splitting the case will not hinder the objective and comprehensive prosecution of the five suspects for customer fraud. Therefore, they have officially separated the criminal case involving the production of counterfeit Kera candy and potential legal breaches at Asia Company for continued investigation and separate prosecution.

T. Nhung