Ho Chi Minh City police detain three for illegal printing of 21,000 books

The Ho Chi Minh City Police have prosecuted and detained three individuals for violating publishing regulations after discovering the illegal printing and distribution of 21,000 books.

According to investigators, the scheme began in early 2025 when Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong contacted Le Dang Khoi to arrange the printing of 10 different book titles. Khoi then provided the digital files to Tran Chau Phuc Printing and Trading Co., Ltd., directed by Tran Nang Tien, to facilitate the unauthorized production and distribution.

The three suspects—Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong, Le Dang Khoi, and Tran Nang Tien—face charges under Article 344 of the Penal Code for “Violating regulations on publishing activities.” Organized crime under this statute can carry prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years, along with additional penalties such as fines or bans from certain professions. Authorities have advised all printing and publishing entities to strictly verify legal documentation to avoid complicity in illegal activities.