Luu Phat Thuan (C) stands at a police station after being charged over the sale of counterfeit footwear bearing well-known international brands in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in this handout image released by Ho Chi Minh City Police.
Investigators said Luu Phat Thuan, 35, was charged with infringing industrial property rights after authorities uncovered thousands of counterfeit shoes, sandals, and socks bearing well-known international brands at the headquarters of Thale Group Co. Ltd. in Long Truong Ward.
The municipal economic police officers, market surveillance authorities, and local police inspected the premises on May 14 and found goods allegedly carrying fake trademarks from U.S. and European brands without invoices or documents proving their origin.
Authorities inspect a warehouse containing thousands of counterfeit shoes, sandals, and socks bearing well-known international brands in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in this handout image released by local police.
Authorities said Thuan had operated online stores under the name 'Thanh Store' on Shopee as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to advertise and sell counterfeit footwear since around June 2023.
Investigators said the suspect sourced goods of unclear origin online and resold them through Shopee for profit.
Police estimated that Thuan earned more than VND3.5 billion (US$135,752) in illegal profits between June 2023 and April 30 this year.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing to identify and prosecute other people involved in the case.
