According to the initial investigation by the police, since August 2021, noticing the increasing demand for domestically produced powdered milk, Vu Manh Cuong and Hoang Manh Ha (both residing in Hanoi ) jointly established Rance Pharma Company and Hacofood Group Company to directly organize the production, business, and consumption of counterfeit powdered milk products. In addition to the two companies mentioned above, the suspects also formed joint ventures and partnerships with many other individuals to establish nine more companies with the purpose of registering product lines and directly engaging in the business, distribution, and consumption of counterfeit powdered milk products.
By the time of their arrest, the ring had produced 573 different brands of powdered milk. These milk products were marketed to people with diabetes, kidney failure, premature babies, and pregnant women, with ingredients listed on the packaging such as bird's nest extract, cordyceps, macadamia powder, walnut powder, etc., but in reality, they contained none of these substances. The perpetrators had omitted some of the raw materials and replaced or added various additives.
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| Market management forces inspect the display and sale of milk at a supermarket in Buon Ma Thuot City. Photo: Do Lan |
The police determined that the powdered milk had quality indicators for some substances below 70% of the declared levels, meeting the criteria for being counterfeit. Over a period of about four years, the suspects smuggled these counterfeit milk products onto the market, earning nearly 500 billion VND in illicit profits.
Information about the discovery of a large-scale network producing, trading, and distributing counterfeit milk powder has caused widespread confusion and anxiety among consumers, especially families with young children, amidst the current "maze" of milk products.
Mr. Nguyen Dac Thang's family (Tan Thanh Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City) has two young children (4 and 2 years old) who consume powdered milk daily. Mr. Thang stated that, in addition to their main meals, his family uses powdered milk to supplement their children's nutrition. On average, his children consume about 4 boxes of powdered milk per month. He always chooses to buy milk products from reputable sources and large stores in the area. However, upon learning about the large-scale production of counterfeit milk with sophisticated methods, he became genuinely worried. Immediately, he searched online to see if the milk his children were drinking was on any list of counterfeit products. He also continuously updated himself on the situation to understand the potential harm that consuming substandard milk products could cause to children's digestive systems, physical development, and intellectual growth. "These individuals engaged in fraudulent business practices solely for profit. I believe the authorities need to handle this case seriously to deter and prevent similar incidents from happening again," Thang said angrily.
In addition, many consumers have decided to stop using powdered milk products to ensure the safety of their own health and that of their families.
For the past three years, Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Hang (Hoa Khanh commune, Buon Ma Thuot city) has regularly drunk two glasses of powdered milk per day. According to Ms. Hang, due to her advanced age and frequent joint pain and poor appetite, her doctor advised her to supplement her calcium and nutrients during a check-up. As a regular milk consumer, she felt uneasy after seeing news reports about counterfeit milk, unsure whether the milk she was drinking was fake or not. “For the past 3-4 days, I haven’t dared to drink milk anymore. I’m waiting for the authorities to fully announce all the types of counterfeit milk circulating on the market before I can feel safe using it again,” Ms. Hang shared.
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| Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Hang (Hoa Khanh commune, Buon Ma Thuot city) expressed concern about the quality of powdered milk products currently sold on the market. |
Sharing the same concerns, Ms. Mai Thi Nga (Hoa Dong commune, Krong Pac district) is also very worried about the prevalence of counterfeit and low-quality milk. For nearly a year, Ms. Nga has been using powdered milk for the elderly to improve the health of herself and her husband. Each box of milk she buys costs between 450,000 and 500,000 VND. Recently, she has noticed that these milk products are available through both traditional and online sales channels. This makes her hesitant to choose a safe and reliable product, as the large number of different powdered milk products currently on the market makes it difficult for buyers to distinguish between genuine and fake milk with the naked eye. She even hesitates to check the powdered milk products she has used before for fear of causing further distress to her family.
"Authorities need to strengthen inspection and control efforts, promptly detect and thoroughly handle counterfeit milk production rings to protect the rights and health of consumers as well as legitimate businesses," Ms. Nga expressed.
According to experts, to avoid buying counterfeit or low-quality milk, consumers should choose products from well-known, long-established brands sold at reliable establishments such as pharmacies, large supermarkets, and licensed stores. At the same time, they should carefully check product information such as packaging, labels, and QR codes.
| Regarding this case, the Police Investigation Agency ( Ministry of Public Security ) has so far prosecuted and detained 8 individuals on charges of "producing and trading counterfeit food products" and "violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences". |
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202504/hoang-mang-voi-ma-tran-sua-39904d2/
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