Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province announced this week that the suspects are under investigation for smuggling and infringement of industrial property rights.
Investigators examine evidence in a fake jewelry production scheme. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Son
The investigation began when the provincial Economic Police Division noticed several online stores heavily promoting jewelry modeled after world-renowned luxury brands.
These products were marketed to consumers as "high-end handcrafted pieces," "brand-standard designs," and "custom-made items." To build consumer trust, the sellers used professional photography, hosted livestream sales sessions, and offered direct customer consultations.
Police observed that sales of this so-called premium jewelry were surging, bringing in substantial revenue despite glaring irregularities regarding where the products actually came from.
