Police search gold shop H. in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The provincial police department had launched three criminal cases and charged the four suspects with infringing industrial property rights.
Investigators identified 403 pieces of jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks, with a total value of more than VND3.42 billion.
The case emerged after police conducted simultaneous inspections at three jewelry businesses in Quy Nhon Ward, home to pristine beaches and stunning landscapes.
At a private gold enterprise identified as H., investigators found 138 jewelry items suspected of counterfeiting the Van Cleef & Arpels trademark.
Police also discovered evidence that counterfeit products had allegedly been manufactured directly at the shop.
A goldsmith working for the business reportedly admitted producing 43 counterfeit jewelry pieces bearing protected trademarks.
Expert assessments later confirmed that all 138 gold-containing jewelry items were counterfeit products, with a combined value of more than VND1.14 billion ($44,425).
Investigators inspect gold shop T. on Le Loi Street in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
At T. Jewelry Co. Ltd., police identified 124 counterfeit jewelry products imitating several luxury brands, valued at more than VND1.24 billion ($48,320).
According to initial statements, the items were allegedly purchased from several gold shops in Ho Chi Minh City before being brought to Gia Lai for resale.
Meanwhile, inspections at M. Jewelry Co. Ltd. uncovered 141 counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels products worth more than VND1.03 billion ($40,140).
Investigators said the jewelry had been purchased from individuals without documentation proving origin or authenticity before being offered for sale.
The crackdown comes as Vietnamese authorities intensify efforts to combat trademark violations, counterfeit goods and intellectual-property infringements in the retail market.
