October 17, 2025Oct 17 Photo courtesy of VN Express Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) police have confiscated over 80 property deeds, two cars, and foreign currencies from the penthouse of TikToker Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan, known as Ngan 98. The 27-year-old influencer was arrested for distributing fake weight-loss products containing harmful ingredients. Among the seized items were $8,000 in cash and four bank savings books. Ngan, with over 40 million TikTok views, is accused of selling pills and "collagen capsules" containing banned substances. She managed ZuBu Company and ZuBu Shop, which were registered under a different name but secretly controlled by her. Starting in 2021, Ngan collaborated with Hanoi factories to produce weight-loss aids, including Super Detox X3, X7, and X1000. Although licensed, Ngan exploited a legal loophole to distribute unapproved "Collagen Vegetable Capsules" as free gifts. These capsules, akin in packaging to the licensed supplements, were marketed to enhance weight-loss results when used together. She promoted these through social media, urging customers to buy the pills for faster outcomes. The illicit capsules, sold for VND870,000–1.1 million, promised weight reduction of four to 15 kg. The police discovered that sales revenues were funneled through accounts belonging to Ngan’s relatives and employees, complicating tracking attempts. However, data from delivery services suggested earnings of hundreds of billions of dong between 2023 and 2024. Testing by the Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Science Institute revealed the presence of sibutramine and phenolphthalein in the capsules, both prohibited substances known to cause severe health issues. Ngan's products were deemed dangerous, risking cardiovascular, hypertension, digestive disorders, and cancer. Looking ahead, authorities continue to probe the extent of Ngan's operations and financial dealings. The outcome could influence regulatory policies on online sales and supplement approvals. Key Takeaways HCMC police seized assets from TikToker Ngan 98, linked to fake product sales. Ngan’s products contained prohibited substances, risking severe health issues. Ongoing investigations may impact supplement sales and regulatory measures. Related Stories Celebrity endorsed diet pill criticized for misleading weight loss claims Crackdown on weight loss supplements containing sibutramine Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-10-17
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