Vietnamese Beauty Queen Arrested for Promoting Fraudulent Health Gummies

The arrest of Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien for consumer fraud highlights the risks associated with celebrity endorsements of health products, following revelations that the touted gummies contained far less fibre than claimed, resulting in public outcry and investigation.

Vietnamese authorities have apprehended former beauty queen Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien and fellow influencers over allegations of consumer fraud linked to counterfeit fibre supplements. The arrest stems from substantial public backlash after independent lab tests contradicted the promotional claims surrounding Kera Supergreens Gummies, which were said to boast high fibre content.

Nguyen, who won the Miss Grand International title in 2021, heavily advertised the gummies on her social media platforms, claiming they contained fiber equivalent to a plate of vegetables. Her promotion was amplified by other notable influencers, Pham Quang Linh and Hang Du Muc, who partnered with her in a venture tied to the products. However, investigations revealed that each gummy contained only 16mg of fibre, significantly lower than the advertised 200mg.

Authorities initiated a thorough review of the matter after a consumer submitted the product for testing. This scrutiny unveiled sub-par ingredients and misleading packaging that failed to indicate the presence of excessive sorbitol, commonly associated with laxatives.

In March, Nguyen and her fellow influencers received fines and issued public apologies, but the situation escalated quickly. In April, Pham and Hang, in addition to company officials linked to the gummies' production, were arrested, facing charges related to the manufacture of counterfeit goods.

The situation culminated with Nguyen's arrest announced this Monday, as authorities emphasized the importance of consumer protection and accountability. Reports indicate that over 100,000 boxes of the gummies were sold prior to the cessation of sales amid the unfolding scandal, marking a significant case in Vietnam’s beauty and wellness sectors. Following her beauty pageant success, Nguyen gained immense popularity among brands and was recognized by the government, making her arrest particularly noteworthy.