Vietnam court sentences 15 fraudsters who used monk Thich Tue Hai’s name to sell fake medicine

A Hanoi People's Court tried 15 men for a scheme that used the reputation of Buddhist monk Thích Tuệ Hải, based in Đồng Nai, to market counterfeit herbal medicines to elderly customers. The group processed 1,431 orders, promoting products such as “Phục khớp Long Hương” and “Dạ dày Tuệ Hải” through Telegram and Zalo channels.

The court sentenced the ringleader, Trần Huy Hoàng, to 15 years in prison; co‑leaders Dương Quốc Lập and Dương Văn Tuấn received 13‑year terms. The remaining 12 defendants, who handled advertising and sales, were each sentenced to 36 months, suspended for a 60‑month probation period. Victims, primarily older adults, were granted the right to pursue civil claims for restitution. The fraud network operated from office premises in Quảng Oai and a warehouse in Cổ Đô, Hanoi, using software to manage sales and coordinating activities via online groups.

Authorities highlighted the exploitation of the monk’s name and the targeting of vulnerable seniors, emphasizing the seriousness of the deception and the court’s intent to deter similar fraud schemes.