HCMC – The Ministry of Public Security has ordered agencies to review and gather all evidence related to Asanzo and its alleged origin fraud, the local media reported, citing Major General Luong Tam Quang, office manager of the ministry.

Speaking at a press briefing to review the ministry's performance in the first six months of 2019 and its plan for the second half of the year on June 26, Quang said that after the probe, harsh sanctions will be imposed in line with prevailing regulations if the firm is found to have violated regulations.

Besides this, other related companies will be investigated and face penalties if they are found guilty, Quang added.

The Government Office on June 24 announced PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc's order for the Ministries of Finance, Public Security, Industry and Trade, and the relevant agencies to promptly investigate this case of origin fraud.

Regarding the major fake gasoline manufacturing and trading ring led by fuel trader Trinh Suong, Quang noted that under the support of the Ministry of Public Security, the Dak Nong police had discovered four gas stations trading fake fuel.

Police have applied multiple measures and mobilized many forces to capture the major fuel trader and his accomplices, he said.

The ministry will propose the central Government allow it to enhance investigations and determine the liabilities of the competent agencies and authorities as such illegal activities have gone unnoticed for years, according to the representative of the ministry.

In related news, some electronics retailers have launched a program to return Asanzo-branded TVs that were previously purchased by their customers.

Under Nguyen Kim’s program, which is expected to conclude on July 10, its customers may return their fully functioning Asanzo TVs, with the relevant invoices, to any Nguyen Kim store in exchange for a new TV with a different brand sold at the store.

Nguyen Van Tiep, marketing manager at Nguyen Kim, said that the firm had stopped selling Asanzo TVs on June 22, according to Nguoi Lao Dongnewspaper.

In addition, a representative of Dien May Cho Lon said that the electronics retailer had stopped providing information on Asanzo TVs on its websites, and the product was taken off the store shelves on June 23.

Meanwhile, The Gioi Di Dong continues to sell Asanzo TVs at its store chains, said Doan Van Hieu Em, general director of the retailer, adding that customers may exchange their Asanzo TVs for TVs of other brands if the warranty of the Asanzo TVs is still valid.