On August 25, authorities in Thanh Hoa province announced that they have charged Le Thi Thanh Hang, a 31-year-old TikTok influencer, with fraud for selling counterfeit ginseng. Hang, operating under the TikTok account 'Hang Le Sam Ngoc Linh,' promoted Lai Chau ginseng as authentic Ngoc Linh ginseng from Kon Tum, deceiving numerous customers.

In 2023, Hang began exploring the ginseng market, particularly focusing on products sourced from Kon Tum. However, due to the high prices of genuine Ngoc Linh ginseng, she faced challenges in her business. While participating in various ginseng trading groups, she discovered that Lai Chau ginseng bore a resemblance to Ngoc Linh ginseng but was significantly cheaper.

By the end of 2023, Hang purchased Lai Chau ginseng from a local supplier, fully aware of its true origin. Nevertheless, she continued to promote and sell this product through her TikTok channel, falsely claiming it was authentic Ngoc Linh ginseng. To further mislead customers, she provided incorrect information regarding the product's type and origin, aiming to establish trust with her buyers.

Many customers, believing her claims, purchased the ginseng, mistakenly thinking they were acquiring genuine Ngoc Linh products. In addition, Hang involved her sister, Le Thanh Hau, in the scheme, allowing her to also sell the Lai Chau ginseng under the pretense that it was authentic Ngoc Linh ginseng from Kon Tum.

The investigation by the Thanh Hoa police has raised concerns about the integrity of online sales and the potential for consumer deception in the ginseng market. Authorities are taking steps to address such fraudulent activities and protect consumers from similar scams.