On September 23, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Police announced significant developments in a large-scale fraud investigation involving the illegal sale of invoices. A total of 37 individuals have been indicted in connection with the operation, which utilized 326 shell companies to issue 178,357 fraudulent invoices.

The investigation revealed that Lê Văn Hiền, born in 1984 and residing in Tân Sơn Nhì, was identified as the mastermind behind the scheme. From December 2021 to October 2025, Hiền and his accomplices established and acquired these shell companies to facilitate the illegal issuance and sale of value-added tax (VAT) invoices, leading to substantial illicit profits.

These companies were used to unlawfully sell 178,357 VAT invoices to 17,612 businesses across the country. The total value of goods and services listed on these invoices, excluding tax, amounted to 18.328 trillion VND. The VAT indicated on the invoices reached 1.585 trillion VND, with the total sales recorded on the invoices nearing 19.913 trillion VND.

This extensive network of shell companies was in operation for a prolonged period, involving tens of thousands of businesses nationwide. The Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City proactively monitored suspicious individuals and businesses to establish a case for investigating the illegal issuance and sale of invoices and tax evasion.

In April 2026, the police initiated legal proceedings, indicting 12 individuals for their roles in the illegal invoice trade. Following further investigation, an additional 25 individuals were charged with tax evasion and illegal invoice sales. Currently, a total of 37 individuals have been indicted in this case.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, focusing on uncovering the methods, roles, and connections of those involved to ensure appropriate legal action is taken. The Ho Chi Minh City Police have advised organizations and individuals to refrain from purchasing, selling, or using fraudulent invoices, emphasizing that invoices must be linked to actual transactions of goods and services.

Businesses are encouraged to verify the legality of their partners and the authenticity of incoming invoices to avoid potential tax liabilities or criminal charges arising from the use of invoices issued by shell companies. The police also urged the public and business community to report any signs of companies being established without genuine business activities or any unusual invoice trading activities.