The police in Phu Tho Province have recently busted a large-scale multi-level marketing ring with nearly 200,000 members, of which 107,348 were Vietnamese. Notably, this ring was involved in the business of selling dietary supplements containing banned substances, directly affecting the lives and health of people, and earning illicit profits of thousands of billions of dong.
Initial investigation results indicate that the ring sold products with exaggerated efficacy claims, such as Multi Juice mixed fruit juice, Lucenta deer placenta, and Bitney Multi Cream. All products sold by the company were marked up by tens of times compared to the import price.
Notably, in 2022 and 2023, the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Management Board tested Bitney Multi Juice at the National Institute for Food Hygiene and Safety Control and the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute – Ministry of Health. The results showed that Bitney Multi Juice contained “Tadalafil.” This substance is prohibited in food production and can only be used under medical supervision.
The police seized 41,800 boxes of Multi Juice tea. Photo: Phu Tho Police
Online advertisement for Multi Juice tea: “Multi Juice mixed dry fruit juice is a product made from Peruvian Maca root that brings health benefits to both men and women by balancing hormones, stimulating the body, and enhancing libido and vitality. Multi Juice is a perfect blend of natural herbal ingredients with stem cell technology that is trusted by men and women to improve their sexual health. Multi Juice is a safe and effective choice that ensures quality, safety, and efficiency without side effects and is suitable for both men and women over 18 years old.” Photo: Phu Tho Police
Online advertisement by the ring: “Lucenta deer placenta stem cells by Bitney Group, applying the world’s leading bioscience technology, have been patented in the US, Germany, Switzerland, and New Zealand. It helps to strongly activate stem cell regeneration to ‘awaken’ youthful and vibrant skin, quickly reversing the signs of aging, and providing firm and elastic skin.” Photo: Phu Tho Police
Lucenta deer placenta was advertised with exaggerated claims: “The main component of Lucenta stem cells is deer placenta, deep-sea fish collagen, and evening primrose oil. It works on the principle of caring for the body’s stem cells, repairing and regenerating damaged cells. This helps to rejuvenate cells, remove old and weak cells, and ‘wake up’ sleeping skin cells to bring youthful and vibrant skin, quickly reversing the signs of aging. At the same time, it promotes metabolism, detoxifies the body, and brings comprehensive health benefits from the inside out while effectively preventing diseases.”
Online advertisement by the ring: “Bitney Multi Cream, also known as the multi-functional beauty and health care cream, is a product of Bitney Fans Club, Malaysia. It is produced in the form of an ointment applied to acupuncture points on the body, providing nutrients that are absorbed through the skin for optimal health and beauty benefits. Bitney Multi Cream is a multi-purpose ointment for health and beauty care, adding elegance and class, especially for women. It firms and lifts the skin, prevents sagging, slows down the aging process, and reduces skin imperfections such as acne, dark spots, freckles, and age spots. It also smoothens and brightens the complexion, helping you look younger and more beautiful than your actual age.” Photo: Phu Tho Police
Â
Unraveling the $200,000-Member Pyramid Scheme: Busted for Selling Food Containing Banned Substances
A sophisticated multi-level marketing scheme, headed by two individuals of Vietnamese and Malaysian origin, has been operating illegally across the country, enticing nearly 200,000 participants. With exaggerated claims of their products’ efficacy and the presence of prohibited substances, this organization has nonetheless managed to sell millions of units, raising serious concerns among authorities and the public alike.
“Unscrupulous Pharmacist: Counterfeit Health Products Flood Market, Hospitals”
“Pham Ngoc Tien formulated his own recipes for counterfeit products, sourcing raw materials domestically to imitate foreign brands.”
The Biggest Multi-Level Marketing Company in Vietnam: Revenue of nearly $85 million, surpassing the Chinese market in Q1 2025.
As of now, there are only 16 enterprises in Vietnam that hold a valid license for multi-level marketing operations, a decrease of 4 businesses compared to the beginning of 2024. This shift underscores the evolving landscape of direct selling in the country and highlights the need for companies to adapt and innovate to thrive in a dynamic market environment.
The Evolving Menace of Pyramid Schemes
Placing deposits, making payments, or purchasing a certain quantity of goods to join a sales network is considered a form of pyramid scheme.
The Female Entrepreneur Behind the Aloe Vera Multi-Level Ecosystem
Aloe Vera Company has a troubled history with regulatory authorities, having been inspected and penalized multiple times for violations in their multi-level marketing practices. This company is part of the Lien Hoa Group ecosystem, chaired by none other than Trương Thị Nhi, the head of the Vietnam Multi-level Marketing Association.
