Investigators found ASF infected pork in Hanoi facilities, linking traders and officials to illegal slaughter and distribution across schools and markets.
Authorities in Hanoi, Vietnam have accused former animal quarantine and slaughter control officials of accepting illegal payments to certify diseased pigs. Investigators say improper documents allowed unsafe pork to enter the food supply chain.
On April 6, Hanoi Police briefed the press on several major criminal cases. These included alleged violations of food safety rules, abuse of power for personal gain, and document forgery.
On March 17, the Economic Police Division and the National Center for Veterinary Diagnosis inspected a slaughter facility run by Nguyen Thi Hien in Nam Phu commune. Officials found more than 540kg of pork infected with African swine fever (ASF).
Investigators also inspected Cuong Phat Food Co Ltd in Hong Van commune, owned by Nguyen Van Thanh and his wife Nguyen Thi Binh. Authorities found 176kg of pork infected with ASF and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), also known as blue-ear disease.
On the same day, police searched the homes and workplaces of Do Van Thanh, who supplied pigs to Mr Hien, along with four former veterinary officials Hanoi and Phu Tho province.
Investigators allege that since early 2026, Do Van Thanh collected about 3600 pigs—roughly 300 tons of pork—suspected of carrying disease from Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang provinces. The pigs were then sent to the Van Phuc slaughterhouse for processing and sale.
Authorities said Nguyen Thi Hien sold pork directly to consumers and to Cuong Phat Food Co Ltd. That company distributed products to trading firms supplying schools and kindergartens in Hanoi and nearby provinces.
The suspects charged in the case. Photo credit: Hanoi Police Department
Investigators allege Thanh colluded with Vu Kim Tuan to issue false quarantine certificates.
At the Van Phuc slaughter facility, officials imposed unofficial rules. They barred pigs under 80kg unless operators paid illegal fees ranging from USD 10–160 per truckload. Some slaughterhouse owners were allegedly required to pay USD 200–400 monthly to avoid harassment. Police estimate suspects collected about USD 100,000 in illegal payments.
On March 25, Hanoi Police launched criminal proceedings.
Nguyen Thi Hien, Do Van Thanh, Nguyen Thi Binh, and Nguyen Van Thanh were charged with violating food safety regulations. The four former veterinary and slaughter control officials were charged with abuse of power and forgery.
The investigation continues as authorities expand the case and identify more violations.
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