29 Convicted in Vietnam for Fake Milk Product Manufacturing and Sales Ring

Hanoi City People's Court on September 23 convicted 29 defendants in a case involving the production and sale of counterfeit dairy products. The case implicated Rance Pharma International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Rance Pharma JSC), Hacofood Nutrition Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Hacofood JSC), and related entities. The Supreme People's Procuracy prosecuted the defendants for multiple charges, including "production and trading of counterfeit food and foodstuff," "violation of accounting regulations causing serious consequences," "bribery," "receiving bribes," "brokerage of bribes," and "fraudulent appropriation of property." This case highlights Vietnam's intensified law enforcement against food safety violations and illicit activities. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth while simultaneously strengthening legal frameworks and crackdowns to maintain social order and protect public health. Counterfeiting, particularly concerning essential food items, is treated as an act that undermines social trust and is subject to severe penalties. In its international relations, Vietnam actively seeks foreign investment, and such cases could be viewed as potential risk factors in the business environment. However, the Vietnamese government is committed to enhancing legal transparency and market integrity, signaling its dedication to investor protection. While this verdict marks a successful crackdown on a counterfeit production and sales network, it also suggests the potential existence of similar illicit activities, necessitating ongoing vigilance and stricter oversight.