On August 19, 2026, Phu Cuong Group released a statement to refute circulating rumors on social media that connected a family member of the group's leadership to a criminal case in Phu Tho province. The company emphasized that the individual whose image was used in the rumors is not involved in the case and has no relation to the alleged criminal activities.

Phu Cuong Group urged individuals and organizations to remove the misleading content and images, asserting that they are false. The company also called for the cessation of sharing unverified information. Furthermore, Phu Cuong Group is currently gathering evidence, verifying the source of the rumors, and cooperating with authorities to clarify the responsibilities of those involved.

This statement follows the announcement by the Phu Tho Provincial Police regarding an ongoing investigation into a serious crime. On August 17, the police announced the indictment of Nguyen Minh Hieu, a 2003-born resident of Tu Liem, Hanoi, for the crime of rape under Article 141, Clause 1 of the Penal Code. The investigation began after a complaint was filed by a 2002-born American woman, alleging that the incident occurred on July 5 at a hotel in Thanh Thuy, Phu Tho province.

The Phu Tho police have also advised the public not to believe in false information related to this case, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified facts.