Vietnam Seizes Thousands of Fake Luxury Goods in Ho Chi Minh City Raid

Vietnamese authorities conducted a major raid at Saigon Square Shopping Mall in Ho Chi Minh City, seizing thousands of counterfeit luxury goods including Rolex watches, Prada handbags, and items bearing the brands Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, and Longines. The crackdown is part of Vietnam's intensified efforts to combat counterfeiting and digital piracy, following pressure and potential tariff threats from the United States, which has identified Saigon Square as a notorious market for counterfeit products. Officials emphasized that the counterfeit goods harm consumer interests and damage the reputations of brands registered for protection in Vietnam. Mall management stated they lease spaces to sellers and do not oversee the origins or authenticity of the products sold. The raid highlights ongoing challenges in Vietnam's retail markets where counterfeit goods remain widely accessible despite regulatory actions. This operation reflects the government's commitment to addressing international concerns and safeguarding both consumers and brand integrity.