Vietnam officials and companies to face trial over counterfeit fire extinguishers

The Hanoi People's Court is scheduled to begin a trial on November 11 involving a major criminal ring producing and distributing counterfeit fire extinguishers. The case originated from a citizen's report in September 2025 regarding Dragon-brand powder extinguishers that failed to extinguish fires as promised.

Investigations revealed that the extinguishers lacked the chemical components listed on their packaging. Authorities seized 135,395 counterfeit powder extinguishers, along with machinery and raw materials, during raids across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tay Ninh.

The trial includes several high-profile defendants. Pham Duc Canh, former Director of the Firefighting Construction Enterprise of the Ho Chi Minh City Police, and his accomplices face bribery charges totaling 17 billion VND. Other defendants, including directors from Vietlink and An Phu Electricity and Lighting, face charges of manufacturing and trading counterfeit goods. Additionally, officials from TechBoss and the Vietnam Institute of Metrology will be tried for forgery in professional duties related to improper testing and certification processes.