Police in Ho Chi Minh City have launched criminal proceedings against the owners of the online retail store Tieu Vi House for allegedly trading large quantities of counterfeit Havaianas-branded flip-flops.
On August 27, investigators charged Le Ngoc Hien, born in 1998 and residing in Hoc Mon Commune, and Phan Thi Thanh Vy, born in 2000 and Hien's wife, with trading counterfeit goods. Hien has been placed in pre-trial detention, while Vy has been barred from leaving her place of residence pending further investigation.
Le Ngoc Hien at the time of his arrest (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
Phan Thi Thanh Vy is charged and barred from leaving her place of residence (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
The charges follow an investigation into the online business activities of Tieu Vi House. On June 27, authorities inspected a warehouse on Tan Hiep 8-1 Street, where Hien, Vy and several employees were allegedly engaged in the online sale of flip-flops bearing the Havaianas trademark.
Police said they seized more than 11,000 pairs of counterfeit Havaianas flip-flops. Based on the value of genuine products, the confiscated goods were estimated to be worth more than VND 7.3 billion (USD 277,000). Investigators also recovered a range of related evidence and documents.
The counterfeit sandals seized by police (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as police seek to determine the origin and supply chain of the counterfeit goods.
