Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Security, stated that initial information about both cases has been made available.

In the case concerning Hoang Huong, the Criminal Investigation Agency initiated legal proceedings in October, filing charges against six defendants as previously reported.

As part of an expanded investigation, on October 27, the agency filed charges against an additional suspect: Nguyen Thi Tuong An (born 1993), on the charge of violating accounting regulations, causing serious consequences. Her role was allegedly to assist Hoang Huong in concealing revenue and reducing payable taxes.

Authorities have seized two assets belonging to Hoang Huong, estimated to be worth over 300 billion VND (approximately 12.2 million USD), to recover damages.

In the case involving Ngan 98 and Luong Bang Quang, Major General Toan stated that on October 10, the Criminal Investigation Agency filed charges against three individuals for three violations: producing and trading counterfeit food products, offering bribes, and brokering bribes.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Major General Toan emphasized that the Ministry will continue to update the media with new information as it becomes available.

At the same press conference, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan addressed measures being taken to combat counterfeit and substandard goods on e-commerce platforms.

The Deputy Minister noted that e-commerce is expected to grow by 25–27% this year, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors.

E-commerce remains an efficient business model that leverages digital platforms to bring products directly to consumers, thereby contributing significantly to domestic commerce.

However, he acknowledged the prevalence of fake, counterfeit, substandard, and intellectual property-infringing goods on e-commerce platforms.

From a legal standpoint, Deputy Minister Tan said that Vietnam already has a regulatory framework for managing e-commerce, addressing violations, and protecting consumers. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently working on a draft law on e-commerce to be presented to the National Assembly. This law will clearly define the responsibilities of each stakeholder involved in e-commerce platforms.

The government, the Prime Minister, and various ministries and agencies have issued numerous directives and resolutions aimed at tackling counterfeit and substandard goods, including within digital environments.

Furthermore, the Ministry is implementing a Prime Minister-approved project to directly combat fake and substandard goods on e-commerce platforms.

In terms of enforcement, the Ministry’s key force is the Market Surveillance Authority. Localities also coordinate with other ministries and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Public Security and Customs, to conduct frequent and continuous inspections. Earlier this year, a nationwide campaign against counterfeit goods was launched under a Prime Ministerial directive, mobilizing all forces to crack down on such violations.

Regarding the accountability of e-commerce platform owners, Deputy Minister Tan stressed that platform operators must control the origin of goods listed for sale. Invoices and documentation must be complete and verified.

When products are delivered, platform owners must inspect, monitor, and provide compensation to consumers. If counterfeit goods are detected, the platform must remove the vendor's online store within 24 hours.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that although e-commerce takes place in digital spaces, it still involves physical goods. Thus, warehouse inspections and the investigation of counterfeit production facilities are also essential.

Despite existing challenges, he concluded that consumers still have trust in this modern business model due to its efficiency and potential.

Tran Thuong