Seven retail stores in Da Nang have been fined a total of VND215 million (US$8,163.74) for selling counterfeit Gucci, Nike and other brands.
The shops, in tourist hotspots Son Tra and Hoi An, have also been ordered to destroy all the fake goods, according to the Market Surveillance Department.
The fines were imposed after a raid in early April during which market authorities seized 295 Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, and Fendi handbags and 27 pairs of Nike sports shoes. These products showed signs of being counterfeits.
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A market authority officer examines bags at a store in Da Nang City. Photo courtesy of Da Nang Market Surveillance Team No. 2 |
The establishments failed to present invoices or documentation for the goods determined to be worth nearly VND178 million if they had been original.
The raid was part of a campaign ahead of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, a major annual event that attracts large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists.
Market surveillance authorities said they would continue to carry out inspections at tourist and shopping areas, and repeat or serious violations could be referred to investigative authorities, especially if criminal signs are detected.
Authorities are also intensifying public awareness efforts to help businesses comply with the law and to guide consumers in identifying counterfeit and low-quality goods.
