Photo courtesy of VN Express

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have detained Nguyen Tran Viet Hoang, the owner of the K.W Sneaker chain, for industrial property infringement. Nearly 1,500 counterfeit sneakers, including brands like Nike and Adidas, were seized, valued at over VND3.3 billion (US$125,000). Hoang admitted to selling fake footwear since February 2023, exploiting cheaper wholesale prices and high resale margins to generate illicit profits totaling over VND1 billion ($38,000).

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The raid was part of a 45-day enforcement operation initiated by Vietnamese authorities. On May 5, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung instructed an increase in IP enforcement by at least 20% during the period from May 7 to 30. This initiative addresses counterfeiting across various platforms, involving both physical marketplaces and online sales.

Experts emphasize the importance of the crackdown as counterfeit goods harm legitimate business and consumer trust. Authorities are warning consumers about the risks of buying suspiciously cheap products and assure that those caught trading fakes will face severe legal consequences.

Looking forward, Vietnamese authorities are expected to intensify efforts against counterfeit operations. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any questionable activities to prevent further infringements.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 21 May 2026

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