Phú Thọ Provincial Police force secures the scene.
On October 4th, the Investigation Police Agency of Phú Thọ Provincial Police Department announced the initiation of legal proceedings, prosecution, and temporary detention orders against Phan Thế Hoài, Director of Tomoken Vietnam Fire Prevention and Fighting LLC (headquartered in Hai Phong City), and Phan Bạch Thông, Executive Director of Tomoken Vietnam Fire Prevention and Fighting LLC (production facility in Quang Ninh Province). They are charged with “Producing and Trading Counterfeit Goods.”
According to the leadership of Phú Thọ Provincial Police, through situational awareness, the Economic Police Division discovered numerous fire extinguishers bearing the Tomoken brand showing signs of counterfeiting and failing to meet quality standards. Recognizing the direct impact of these products on fire safety for residents and businesses, the Provincial Police leadership urgently directed an investigation to clarify the situation.
Major General Nguyễn Minh Tuấn, Director of Phú Thọ Provincial Police, inspects the scene.
Initial investigation results reveal that Phan Thế Hoài and his brother Phan Bạch Thông purchased six raw materials: Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), Ammonium Sulfate (SA), Quartz Powder (SiO₂), silica powder, silicone oil, coloring powder, and water. They mixed these according to a self-devised formula without scientific basis to create a fire extinguishing powder. Notably, the mixture contained 54% Quartz Powder (SiO₂), a substance ineffective for fire suppression, used to reduce costs and increase profits.
From 2023 to present, Tomoken Quang Ninh has produced and sold over 2.2 million fire extinguishers of various types, with total revenue exceeding 834 billion VND. Specifically, the dry powder extinguishers using the aforementioned mixture accounted for more than 1.64 million units, generating over 527 billion VND in revenue.
Authorities inspect counterfeit fire extinguishers.
The forensic examination conclusion from the Institute of Criminal Science, Ministry of Public Security, confirms that 36 samples of 6kg and 8kg fire extinguishers produced by Tomoken are ineffective in extinguishing Class B fires, violating national technical regulations for fire prevention and fighting equipment.
The Investigation Police Agency of Phú Thọ Provincial Police is currently expanding the investigation to clarify the responsibilities of related individuals and organizations for strict legal handling.
