Police arrest man for fraud and seize counterfeit luxury watches in Vietnam

Authorities in Vietnam have arrested two individuals in separate criminal investigations involving fraud and intellectual property violations.

In Da Nang, police have detained Nguyen Chi Cong for ‘fraudulent appropriation of property.’ Investigators state that starting in August 2022, Cong assumed the false identity of a business executive to establish romantic relationships with women. He reportedly used forged medical documents from a South Korean hospital to claim he had nasopharyngeal cancer and required funds for overseas treatment. One victim transferred over 337 million VND to him under these pretenses, which Cong allegedly used for personal expenses and travel.

In Hung Yen, police have initiated criminal proceedings against Pham Van Duong, a business owner, for infringing on industrial property rights. An inspection of his watch and eyewear shop uncovered 2,134 counterfeit wristwatches. The seized items featured 10 major brands, including Rolex, Omega, Tissot, and Casio, with a total estimated value of over 490 million VND.