Can Tho authorities crack down on scrap metal theft and counterfeit goods

Authorities in Can Tho, Vietnam, have issued warnings and intensified inspections to combat illegal trade and property theft. The Can Tho Police advised scrap metal collectors to verify the origins of goods to avoid criminal liability, particularly regarding items like electrical cables, copper cores, motors, and steel. Collectors are urged to request ownership documentation and report suspicious items to the police rather than processing them, as concealing or consuming stolen property can result in fines ranging from 10 million to 100 million VND.

Simultaneously, the Can Tho Market Surveillance Department reported a significant crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled goods, especially those sold via e-commerce and livestreaming. Between December 2025 and September 2026, officials inspected 1,008 cases, resulting in 812 violations. In the e-commerce sector alone, fines exceeded 2.67 billion VND, with nearly 1.77 billion VND worth of goods destroyed. Investigations also included intellectual property violations, notably involving ST25 rice.