Northern Vietnam Authorities Charge Two Men Over Counterfeit Footwear Trafficking

Investigators in Ninh Binh Province, located in northern Vietnam, have formally charged two local men with infringing industrial property rights through the distribution of counterfeit footwear.

The suspects, identified as 30-year-old Tran Cong Tung and 34-year-old La Van Uoc, both residents of Ninh Binh Province, came under scrutiny following a coordinated inspection on May 13. This operation was jointly conducted by the provincial economic police division and the provincial market surveillance sub-department.

During the inspection, authorities searched retail outlets and warehouses linked to the two men. At a warehouse associated with Tung in Nam Dinh Ward, officials confiscated more than 5,000 pairs of sports shoes and sandals. The seized goods were valued at approximately VND3.7 billion (US$140,830).

Similarly, inspections at Uoc’s warehouse in Yen Mo Commune uncovered over 2,600 pairs of shoes, with an estimated worth exceeding VND500 million (US$19,050).

All confiscated merchandise was found to be counterfeit, imitating internationally recognized brands that hold legal protection under Vietnamese trademark law.

Both individuals admitted to lacking authorization from trademark owners to manufacture, distribute, or trade products bearing the protected labels. They reportedly purchased these counterfeit footwear items for resale, thereby misleading consumers into believing the products were genuine.

Investigators are actively expanding the case and proceeding with legal formalities in accordance with Vietnam’s laws governing intellectual property rights.

The Ninh Binh Province Department of Public Security emphasized that this crackdown exemplifies the government’s firm commitment to combating intellectual property infringements and safeguarding the legitimate rights of businesses and consumers.

This enforcement action follows a directive issued in early May by the Prime Minister through Official Dispatch No. 38, which called for enhanced nationwide measures to prevent and strictly address intellectual property violations.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Public Security instructed local police forces across Vietnam to intensify efforts targeting counterfeit goods and trademark infringements.

The ongoing investigation and enforcement efforts reflect Vietnam’s broader strategy to preserve innovation and uphold the integrity of industrial property rights within its jurisdiction.