HCMC tackles over 7,900 smuggling and fraud cases in first half

In the first six months of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City reported a detection and handling of nearly 7,900 cases of smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, contributing over VND1.36 trillion ($52 million) to the State budget.

The data was presented at a national teleconference held on June 23, under the chair of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, to review enforcement outcomes for the first half of the year and wrap up a peak campaign focused on combating smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property (IP) violations.

Speaking at the conference, PM Chinh underscored the need to resolutely prevent, repel, and ultimately eliminate such illegal activities, calling it a long-term strategic task requiring the active participation of the entire political system, businesses, and the public.

He urged intensified efforts to improve legal frameworks, bolster inspection and oversight, and strictly handle violations—especially those involving counterfeit pharmaceuticals and food products.

The PM also called for the launch of a nationwide public movement to raise community awareness, promote responsible and ethical enforcement personnel, and enhance media outreach to help combat false advertising and fraudulent practices.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, violations have been uncovered across all transportation routes—including waterways, roadways, railways, and airways—as well as in digital spaces.

Authorities from the southern city also reported that smuggling and counterfeit operations are increasingly organized into complex, closed-loop networks, with production stages distributed across various locations in the city and neighboring provinces.

Moreover, e-commerce platforms and social media channels are being widely exploited to advertise, promote, and distribute counterfeit goods, IP-infringing products, and items of uncertain origin and substandard quality.