Miss Grand International Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien gets two-year jail term for deceiving customers

Nguyen Thi Thai Hang, chairwoman of Chi Em Rot Group, which developed the product, and director Pham Quang Linh, were awarded the same sentence at the HCMC People’s Court Wednesday afternoon.

Le Tuan Linh, CEO, and director Le Thanh Cong were each sentenced to three years and three months in prison for the same crime.

The court also imposed an additional fine of VND50 million (US$1,900) on each of the five defendants.

Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien waves to her mother before being taken away from the HCMC People's Court on Nov. 19, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

"The defendants were fully aware but, driven by self-interest, ignored the fact that the product’s quality did not match its advertisements and still promoted it," the court said.

However, the court also recognized several mitigating factors. The defendants have made truthful declarations, expressed remorse and actively cooperated in resolving the case.

The court ordered the confiscation of more than VND12 billion in illegal profits from Chi Em Rot for the state’s coffers. The company was also required to refund customers who purchased the products.

The court said that Tien and the four executives of the company knew the fiber content of each Kera gummy was only 0.935%, insufficient for people lacking vegetable intake, and that the origins of the ingredients were unclear.

Tests also showed that the product did not contain 10 different types of vegetables as advertised. But the defendants still publicly claimed that "one gummy equals one plate of vegetables."

This resulted in over 56,000 people buying the products, paying VND17.5 billion (US$663,000).

Nguyen Thi Thai Hang seen at the HCMC People's Court on Nov. 19, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

In her final statement, Tien expressed "deep apologies" to customers and asked the court to consider leniency for all shareholders of the company.

Tien had earlier denied being a shareholder, but admitted that she received a 25% profit for representing the product and showing up at promotional events.

"This is a major lesson for myself and the other defendants," she said.

Linh said he was "deeply remorseful" for his wrongdoing. As a social media influencer, he made false statements that led customers to trust and buy the product.

Hang admitted her negligence and irresponsibility led to the consequences. She choked up when bringing up her two small children, who have only seen her only once in the last seven months after she was arrested.

The court said that Nguyen Phong, chairman of Asia Life (the manufacturer of the gummies) was involved in producing counterfeit food products. But investigators have separated this conduct for another case as more investigation is needed.