According to a Vietnamese news outlet, two stores in Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest city, were shut down late last year for selling real Gucci merchandise but passing it off as counterfeit on customs documentation. Individuals acting on behalf of the Vietnamese police's economic crimes investigation division suspect that the Milano and Gucci store owners wanted to avoid paying full import taxes for the authentic Gucci clothing and accessories, and as such, had the shipments routed through Hong Kong (en route from Italy) and passed them off as Chinese fakes worth between $1.50 and $7 each, as opposed to hundreds of dollars each.

Vietnamese publication Thanh Nien reports that the scheme has resulted in the questioning of Nguyen Thanh Binh, director of Nam De Company, which was contracted to import the consignment, as well as the suspension of three customs agents accused of colluding with the Gucci store's owners.

This month, police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested Le Hong Duc for illegally importing the luxury items in question for the Milano and Gucci stores last year. He was reportedly ordered to do so by Tran Anh Tuan, the owner of the two stores in question. Also this month, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade announced that two Gucci and Milano stores in Hanoi are being investigated for evading taxes in a similar manner. More to come ...