In recent times, several celebrities have found themselves in handcuffs. While fame grants them public recognition, some have used it to turn their audience into lucrative “prey” through illegal schemes.

Content creators such as Quang Linh Vlogs, Hang Du Muc, and beauty queen Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien have faced charges of “deceiving consumers.”

Meanwhile, Hoang Thi Huong (also known as Hoang Huong, founder of the Hoang Huong ecosystem) is under investigation for “violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences.”

The latest case involves Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan, popularly known as “Ngan 98,” who was arrested for “producing and trading counterfeit food products.”

Authorities identified Ngan 98 as the operator of ZuBu Trading and Services Co., Ltd and ZuBu Shop, which collaborated with several factories in Hanoi to manufacture dietary supplements under the brands Super Detox X3, X7, X1000, among others.

Recently, several well-known personalities have been prosecuted for violating the law.

She allegedly used promotional giveaways to distribute an unlicensed product called “Collagen vegetable capsules.”

Laboratory test results from regulatory authorities revealed that these products failed to meet quality standards and were classified as counterfeit.

Some samples of the “Collagen vegetable capsules” even contained substances banned by the Ministry of Health.

Clearly, individuals such as Quang Linh, Hang Du Muc, Thuy Tien, and now Ngan 98 have exploited their fame to commit crimes, turning the public into victims for profit.

The more famous the suspect, the more victims they are likely to have.

Denial does not absolve guilt

During questioning, Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan refused to cooperate and attempted to shift blame onto others.

However, the investigation agency collected conclusive evidence, including delivery records, production contracts, payment documents, and employee testimonies, all of which confirm that Ngan masterminded and directed the entire counterfeit food production and distribution operation.

Dr. Dang Van Cuong, lawyer and head of Chinh Phap Law Office, explained that under the law, a defendant is not obligated to confess or provide self-incriminating testimony.

Nevertheless, authorities bear the burden of proving guilt through evidence.

If the accused does not confess and fails to cooperate, they will not qualify for any sentencing leniency based on “truthful declaration.”

Vietnam’s criminal procedure code also specifies that a confession alone cannot be the sole basis for conviction.

Such confessions must be supported by additional evidence in the case file.

According to Dr. Dang Van Cuong, beyond the charge of producing and selling counterfeit food, authorities are expected to expand the investigation to examine ZuBu’s tax filings and accounting procedures for further legal violations in business operations.

The arrest of Ngan 98 has once again raised serious concerns about the culture of law compliance in Vietnam and the need to regulate the conduct of public figures.

The scandals involving Quang Linh, Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc, Hoang Huong, and now Ngan 98 serve as costly lessons for young celebrities who disregard the law.

Dr. Dang Van Cuong emphasized that it is time for public figures - or those aspiring to fame - to take greater responsibility in adhering to community standards, especially legal compliance.

Moreover, the state should develop mechanisms to better manage and protect celebrities, ensuring their fame contributes positively to society rather than causing harm or turning fans into “easy targets.”

T. Nhung