Three arrested in Vietnam for selling over 1,000 fake Samsung phones

Police in Tuyen Quang province have arrested three men for allegedly selling more than 1,000 counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra phones across Vietnam. Chu Huu Kien Son, 34, from Thai Nguyen, along with Le Cong Tu, 33, and Bui Anh Tuan, 33, both from Thanh Hoa, face charges of trading in counterfeit goods.

The suspects are accused of using platforms like Facebook and websites, along with Cash on Delivery (COD) services, to market the fake phones. They advertised the devices as "genuine products" with "70% discounts" and "12-month warranties" to deceive consumers.

During searches, authorities seized 469 fake phones, along with a large quantity of counterfeit accessories, packaging, and warranty cards. Forensic analysis confirmed the products falsely used the "SAMSUNG" trademark, which is protected in Vietnam. The estimated value of the counterfeit goods, if they were genuine, would exceed 6 billion VND (approximately $235,000 USD).

Authorities are warning the public to be vigilant against purchasing counterfeit or substandard goods, urging consumers not to be swayed by brand names or low prices, which can lead to intellectual property infringement.