Man probed for producing counterfeit Ralph Lauren, Pierre Cardin shirts

By Minh Nga December 25, 2024 | 10:59 pm PT

Police inspect shirts carrying counterfeit brand names at a facility in Ha Nam Province in northern Vietnam. Photo by Ha Nam police

A 55-year-old man in northern Vietnam is being investigated for directing the production of counterfeit items bearing globally recognized brands, including Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Pierre Cardin.

Police in Ly Nhan District, Ha Nam Province, announced Thursday that they are investigating Hoang Anh Tuan for allegedly violating industrial property rights, according to a statement on their news portal.

Authorities discovered over 1,500 counterfeit shirts during an inspection of Tuan's garment workshop and warehouse in Nhan Khang Commune. The seized items bore fake labels of high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren, Pierre Cardin, and Lacoste.

The inspection team documented the findings, confiscated the goods, and conducted an expert evaluation.

Based on their investigation, the police confirmed that Tuan had no agreements, contracts, or authorized partnerships with the legitimate owners of the brands.

At the police station, Tuan admitted to knowingly producing counterfeit goods despite being aware that the brands were protected under Vietnamese law. He revealed that he sourced unverified fabrics, tags, and labels from local markets and directed his workers to manufacture the counterfeit items for sale.

Tuan has reportedly earned over VND374 million (US$14,683) through his illegal activities.