Vietnam Orders Expanded Probe into Influencer-Related Fraud Cases

Deputy Minister of Public Security, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, has directed relevant units to continue expanding investigations and strictly handle individuals involved in three cases linked to prominent influencers Huấn Hoa Hồng, Phú Lê, and Hải Sapa TV. On September 4, Lieutenant General Long sent a letter of commendation to the Directors of the Police Departments of Investigation (C05), Criminal Police (C01), Hanoi City Police, and Lào Cai Provincial Police for their efforts in dismantling three criminal networks operated by Bùi Xuân Huấn (Huấn Hoa Hồng), Lê Văn Phú (Phú Lê), and Vũ Hoàng Hải (Hải Sapa TV). According to the Ministry of Public Security, these networks exploited the online space to commit acts of asset fraud, customer deception, violations of accounting regulations, and illegal issuance of invoices. The investigation authorities have arrested and prosecuted 17 individuals, seizing numerous related documents and evidence. Lieutenant General Long assessed that the uncovering of these cases demonstrated effective coordination between the Ministry of Public Security's professional units and local police, contributing to maintaining social order, deterring crime, and preventing negative influences on young people. He urged the units to continue expanding investigations and consolidating evidence for strict punishment of all involved. Huấn Hoa Hồng is accused of concealing revenues exceeding VND 300 billion (approximately USD 12.5 million) from his online perfume business. He faces charges for serious violations of accounting regulations and fraud. Authorities allege he posted information suggesting prior knowledge of lottery results, leading many to transfer billions of dong for betting advice, which he then misappropriated when they did not win. In the case involving Phú Lê, he and his wife are identified as having used 10 personal accounts to receive over VND 107 billion (approximately USD 4.5 million) from product sales without proper accounting. They allegedly created fraudulent invoices to conceal revenue and reduce tax obligations. The product Loramen, a sexual enhancement supplement produced by Phú and his accomplices, reportedly generated over VND 11.6 billion (approximately USD 0.5 million) in sales. In the third case, Hải Sapa TV and his wife, along with another individual, are accused of customer deception and serious violations of accounting regulations. Hải allegedly leveraged his social media influence to market dried buffalo meat, made from imported frozen meat, as a "Northwestern specialty." The investigation into these cases is ongoing. Source: VnExpress