CaliToday (05/10/2025): Authorities have arrested and initiated criminal proceedings against the director of Tomoken Vietnam for allegedly masterminding the production and distribution of millions of counterfeit fire extinguishers, a scheme that poses a grave threat to public fire safety across the nation.
Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan (holding a fire extinguisher), Director of Phu Tho Provincial Police, directly inspected the fire extinguisher of Tomoken Vietnam Company.
In a major move to combat fraudulent and unsafe goods, functional forces have detained the director of Tomoken Vietnam, a company ostensibly known for fire protection equipment. The arrest follows an investigation that uncovered a large-scale operation producing substandard fire safety devices that fail to meet mandatory technical and safety standards.
According to preliminary reports, the company is accused of manufacturing and supplying the market with millions of fire extinguisher units that were falsely labeled and lacked the proper quality control and effective chemical agents required for fighting fires. These counterfeit products, while visually similar to genuine ones, present a significant public hazard. In the event of a fire, their failure to operate correctly could lead to catastrophic consequences, including loss of property and life.
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| Director of Tomoken Vietnam Company Phan The Hoai at the Investigation Agency of Phu Tho Provincial Police. |
An official from the investigating authority stated, "This is not merely a case of commercial fraud; it is a profound betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to the safety of our communities. Every fake fire extinguisher in a home, office, or public space is a potential disaster waiting to happen."
The charges against the director involve the large-scale production and trade of counterfeit goods. Investigators are currently expanding their inquiry to identify the full scope of the distribution network and recall the hazardous products from the market. The case has sent shockwaves through the fire safety industry and has raised urgent questions about regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility.
Fire safety experts have warned consumers and businesses to be vigilant. Counterfeit fire extinguishers often use inferior materials and may be filled with ineffective or even non-functional substances instead of the required fire-retardant chemicals. They are prone to critical failures such as loss of pressure, clogged nozzles, or complete failure to discharge.
Authorities are urging the public to check any Tomoken-branded fire extinguishers they may have purchased. They advise purchasing fire safety equipment only from authorized and reputable dealers and checking for official quality inspection stamps and certifications.
The prosecution of the Tomoken Vietnam director underscores the government's commitment to cracking down on counterfeit goods, particularly those that impact public health and safety. The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the director will face severe penalties if convicted.
