On December 25, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency announced that four suspects - Tran Quoc Te (37), Le Hong Van (51), Pham Thien Den (37), and Pham Tan Phat (33), all residing in the city - have been charged with manufacturing and trading counterfeit goods.

Exploiting company credentials for illegal refilling operations

According to preliminary investigations, the group used the legal status of An Loc Phat Southern Energy Co., Ltd., which was officially registered in the LPG distribution business with Tran Quoc Te as its director, to operate unauthorized gas refilling facilities.

Despite lacking fire safety and technical certifications, the suspects installed illegal refilling systems, transferring gas from tanker trucks into cylinders bearing the trademarks of well-known, legally protected brands.

The operation was tightly controlled and highly organized, with members assigned specific roles - from purchasing bulk LPG, refilling, transporting, and heat-sealing shrink wraps, to affixing counterfeit labels and distributing products to small gas retailers.

Communication among the group members was conducted via encrypted messaging apps with auto-delete features to evade detection by authorities.

Fake gas sold up to 50% cheaper

To gain illegal profits, the group sold fake gas cylinders at prices 30–50% lower than genuine branded products.

The labeling process, including heat-shrinking and attaching fake seals, was often carried out at delivery points or local gas shops to minimize exposure during transport.

Investigators discovered that some gas retailers were fully aware of the counterfeit nature of the gas but still provided empty cylinders, facilities, and logistical support for relabeling and distribution - effectively creating a closed-loop sales network.

Among them was Vi Van Tin Gas Shop (212 Mai Xuan Thuong Street, Binh Tay Ward), operated by suspect Le Hong Van, which served as one of the key distribution points.

Thousands of counterfeit cylinders and tools seized

During searches, police confiscated large quantities of counterfeit gas cylinders, thousands of empty tanks awaiting refilling, fake labels and seals, refilling machinery, and heat tools used in the production process.

Authorities said the case is being expanded to identify additional individuals and businesses involved in the counterfeit supply chain.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department continues to investigate the broader network, focusing on financial transactions and distribution routes that supported the illegal gas operation.

Dam De