CaliToday (06/8/2025): Vietnamese authorities have successfully dismantled a large-scale criminal network responsible for producing and distributing an enormous quantity of counterfeit textbooks, seizing approximately 185,000 fake books in a major operation. A company director has been arrested in connection with the case, highlighting the country's ongoing battle against copyright infringement and fraudulent goods ahead of the new school year.
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| Officers from the Internal Political Security Department of Bac Ninh Provincial Police examine evidence from the case. Photo: Ngoc Anh. |
In a series of coordinated raids, law enforcement agencies and market surveillance teams uncovered a sophisticated operation that illegally printed and prepared to sell fake versions of official textbooks used in Vietnam's national curriculum. The sheer volume of the seizure points to a highly organized and profitable enterprise aimed at exploiting the high demand for educational materials as millions of students prepare to return to school in September.
A director of a company allegedly involved in the scheme was taken into custody to assist with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have stated that they are working to identify other members of the network, from production to distribution.
The issue of counterfeit textbooks is a significant concern for Vietnam's education sector. These illegal products not only cause substantial financial losses for legitimate publishers, such as the state-owned Vietnam Education Publishing House, but also pose a direct threat to the quality of education.
Experts warn that fake textbooks often suffer from numerous quality issues that can hinder a child's learning process, including:
Poor Print and Paper Quality: Blurry text, incorrect colors, and low-grade paper can cause eye strain and make reading difficult.
Content Inaccuracies: More alarmingly, counterfeit books can contain typographical errors, outdated information, or even missing pages and sections, directly misleading students and undermining teaching standards.
Health Hazards: The ink and materials used in fake books are not subject to safety regulations and may contain harmful chemicals.
This major bust comes at a critical time, as families across the country are purchasing school supplies. The lower price of counterfeit books often tempts parents facing economic pressure, making them the primary target for these criminal networks. Authorities have repeatedly warned the public to be vigilant and to purchase textbooks only from authorized retailers and reputable sources to ensure they receive authentic, high-quality materials.
The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested director is expected to face charges related to the production and trade of counterfeit goods, a serious economic crime in Vietnam. The successful operation is being hailed as a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to protect intellectual property rights and safeguard the integrity of the nation's education system.
