Vietnam police target counterfeit clothing ring and social‑media extortion scheme

On July 12, provincial police in Son La charged Nguyen Manh Cuong (born 1987, resident of Nhu Khe, Tuyen Quang) with industrial‑property infringement for running a counterfeit Owen clothing operation. Investigators seized 15,864 garments, more than 13,000 brand tags, about 900 price stickers, two logo‑press machines and other equipment, valuing over VND 2.3 billion. The network supplied more than 20 fashion stores across Son La, Dien Biên, Lai Châu, Tuyen Quang, Hanoi, Phú Thọ and other locales, generating illicit profits of over VND 2 billion. Kowil Fashion Co. Vietnam confirmed it had no licensing agreement for the Owen brand.

Separately, on July 10‑11, Tuyen Quang police arrested Hoang Dao Tu (born 1983, resident of Trường Sinh, Phú Thọ) for extortion after he used social‑media groups to pressure a local sand‑and‑gravel company, extracting more than VND 120 million. He was detained pending further investigation. Authorities warned the public against abusing social‑media platforms to coerce businesses or individuals for financial gain.