Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Authorities in Hanoi have uncovered a major fraud involving Vietlink and An Phu companies, who allegedly sold over 3.2 million counterfeit fire extinguishers since 2018, totaling VND1.1 trillion (US$41.74 million). This scandal came to light following several fires where the extinguishers failed to work effectively, raising concerns over public safety. Police are actively investigating to press charges against those involved in the production and distribution of these fake extinguishers.

 

The fake extinguishers, branded "Dragon", were found to be ineffective in extinguishing fires, posing serious risks to users. Vietlink Trading and Services Co., under the leadership of Dang Quoc Hoang and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, allegedly produced these at Hai Son Expanded Industrial Park in Tay Ninh Province. The company reportedly imported inferior firefighting powder and manufactured the extinguishers using low-quality materials.

 

Vietlink reportedly transferred production technology to An Phu Electric and Lighting JSC earlier this year, whose representative, Phung Huu Loi, continued the operation. Despite the business transfer, Hoang and his wife maintained involvement with manufacturing counterfeit extinguishers. These products were distributed by two main dealers and stored at multiple locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tay Ninh.

 

Forensic tests by the Institute of Criminal Science revealed that the Dragon-brand extinguishers lacked essential firefighting agents, specifically NH4H2P04 and (NH4)2SO4, confirming they were counterfeit. Police allege that Vietlink manufactured and distributed about 3 million defective extinguishers from 2018, generating revenues around VND1 trillion. An Phu is said to have distributed approximately 250,000 units, earning close to VND100 billion before being shut down.

 

Authorities have conducted extensive searches, seizing nearly 168,000 Dragon-brand extinguishers, along with production equipment and documents from the involved companies and distributors. The investigation continues as police work to hold those responsible accountable for this public hazard.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Over 3.2 million counterfeit extinguishers sold since 2018.
• Extinguishers lacked essential firefighting agents, posing risks.
• Ongoing investigation to charge those involved in the fraud.

 

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Bangkok Police Seize Counterfeit Marshall Speakers in Raid

DSI Seizes Counterfeit Goods Worth 20 Million Baht in Raids

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-10-16

 

 

Wow.  Disgusting.