Con artists earn $1.15M from selling 10,000 fake Cartier, Tiffany, Bvlgari jewelry items

Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province announced this week that the suspects are under investigation for smuggling and infringement of industrial property rights.

Investigators examine evidence in a fake jewelry production scheme. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Son

The investigation began when the provincial Economic Police Division noticed several online stores heavily promoting jewelry modeled after world-renowned luxury brands.

These products were marketed to consumers as "high-end handcrafted pieces," "brand-standard designs," and "custom-made items." To build consumer trust, the sellers used professional photography, hosted livestream sales sessions, and offered direct customer consultations.

Police observed that sales of this so-called premium jewelry were surging, bringing in substantial revenue despite glaring irregularities regarding where the products actually came from.

Police question Dao Thuy Trang, deputy director of Helia Fine Jewelry Co. Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City, regarding her role in a ring selling fake jewelry. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Son

Investigators expanded their probe by working with authorities in Ho Chi Minh City. They questioned 20 managers, sales staff, and jewelry craftsmen associated with Helia Fine Jewelry Co. Ltd. and Wii Diamonds Co. Ltd. Both companies are directed by suspect Nguyen Van Huy.

During questioning, Dao Thuy Trang, deputy director of Helia Fine Jewelry, admitted that the company was only licensed to sell jewelry under its own brand name and original designs.

Instead, Trang and other employees had secretly collaborated with Nguyen Van Phuc to manufacture and process counterfeit items. These fake products bore the trademarks of major luxury houses, including Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chrome Hearts.

In addition to their domestic production efforts, the syndicate is also accused of importing counterfeit branded jewelry from overseas to sell within Vietnam.

Police subsequently raided multiple locations linked to the operation. They seized more than 300 counterfeit jewelry items, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Authorities also confiscated a wide array of production equipment. This included laser welding machines, polishing machines, gold rolling machines, engraving devices, and large quantities of chemicals.

Investigators estimate that from 2022 until the ring was dismantled, the network successfully sold more than 10,000 counterfeit luxury items, raking in approximately VND30 billion in illicit profits.