The decision by the Investigation Police Agency of Hanoi Public Security to prosecute three criminal cases involving the consumption of diseased and dead pigs serves as a wake-up call to those who violate business ethics—prioritizing profit over public health by selling contaminated food.
Sellers who knowingly purchase diseased pork at low prices to resell for profit will be prosecuted as accomplices.
On July 8, 2025, the Investigation Police Agency of Hanoi issued decisions to prosecute three criminal cases under Article 317 of the Penal Code for “Violations of regulations on food safety”, and temporarily detained Lê Văn Tươi, Đặng Văn Huy, Dư Đình Hợi, and Nguyễn Viết Chiếm for further legal proceedings.
On June 30, 2025, the Economic Police Division of Hanoi, in coordination with other authorities, inspected a pig slaughterhouse operated by Lê Văn Tươi in Thuong Tin commune, Hanoi. They discovered multiple pigs showing symptoms of African swine fever. Authorities confiscated 45 live pigs, 1,050 kg of slaughtered whole pork, and 450 kg of pig organs.
Further investigation revealed that Đặng Văn Huy, residing in Tung Thien ward, Hanoi, was responsible for collecting diseased pigs and supplying them to Tươi’s slaughterhouse.
The diseased pork was secretly transported and distributed during the night. Photo: Provided by Hanoi Police.
On July 1, 2025, authorities conducted an inspection at Phung Khoang Market (Dai Mo Ward, Hanoi) and discovered that a stall owned by Dư Đình Hợi (residing in Hoa Xa Commune, Hanoi) contained 367 kg of pork that was discolored and emitting a foul odor. At the stall of Nguyễn Viết Chiếm (also from Hoa Xa Commune), officials seized 426 kg of pork showing signs of poor hygiene and contamination with African swine fever.
The Economic Police Division – Hanoi Public Security is continuing to expand the investigation and will strictly handle all involved individuals in accordance with the law.
Dr. Dang Van Cuong, Head of Chinh Phap Law Office, stated that the act of collecting diseased pigs for slaughter and sale to the public is utterly inhumane, shows blatant disregard for the law, and must be punished with severe legal sanctions.
“According to legal regulations, livestock that die from epidemics or infectious diseases — including African swine fever — must be destroyed by burial or incineration. Under no circumstances may they be used as animal feed or human food. The process of handling diseased livestock must comply with the Veterinary Law and related legal documents. Anyone who knowingly sells animals that have died from disease or are infected and subject to mandatory destruction can be criminally prosecuted under Article 317 of the Penal Code, even if no actual harm has yet occurred,” lawyer Cuong explained.
Lawyer Cuong further stated that for products that have not yet been sold, authorities must immediately recall them. For those already sold, authorities should promptly inform consumers to seek medical attention.
Consumers who purchased pork contaminated with the African swine fever virus have the right to request a refund and claim compensation for any damages.
The investigation will also clarify the responsibility of pork vendors. If these individuals knowingly purchased diseased pork at low prices and resold it, they can also be criminally prosecuted as accomplices for violating food safety regulations, along with the main defendants.
Criminal prosecution as a deterrent
Violations of food safety regulations are acts that deserve strong condemnation, as they seriously endanger human health, affect the country’s workforce, and increase pressure on the social welfare and healthcare systems. Moreover, such violations can cause social instability and economic losses, as the government must spend significant resources to investigate and address the consequences.
Dr. Dang Van Cuong, lawyer, stated that the criminal prosecution of individuals involved in this case for “violating food safety regulations” is necessary—not only to educate offenders but also to serve as a deterrent and general prevention measure for society, especially in the context of a market flooded with unsafe food products.
Dr. Dang Van Cuong, Head of Chinh Phap Law Office
“This case serves as a wake-up call for those who violate business ethics—willing to sell unsafe food for the sake of profit.”
During the investigation, authorities will clarify the methods and tactics used in the crime, trace the origin of the animals, examine the distribution process, and determine the responsibilities of all relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals in accordance with the law.
This case is a warning to individuals who disregard business ethics, choosing to sell contaminated food products for profit, thereby endangering the health and lives of consumers and infringing upon their rights.
Notably, this slaughterhouse had been operating openly for a long period without being detected by local authorities or veterinary officers.
According to the law, inspections and supervision to ensure food safety and hygiene must be carried out regularly. Therefore, authorities will investigate whether these facilities were ever inspected and how the inspection process was conducted. If there is evidence of negligent oversight, collusion, or assistance given to those committing food safety violations, those responsible must also be held accountable under the law.
Violation of food safety regulations is governed under Article 317 of the 2015 Penal Code (amended and supplemented in 2017):
A fine of VND 50,000,000 to 200,000,000 or imprisonment from 1 to 5 years shall apply to acts such as: using animals that died due to disease or epidemic, or animals that were legally required to be destroyed, for food processing; or providing/selling food known to originate from such animals, if the product value ranges from VND 10,000,000 to less than VND 100,000,000, or if the offender has already been administratively sanctioned for similar acts or convicted of this crime and has not had their criminal record expunged.
In cases involving organized crime, offenders may face a fine of VND 200,000,000 to 500,000,000 or imprisonment from 3 to 7 years.
If the violation results in death of two or more people, or causes food poisoning affecting the health of multiple individuals, offenders may face up to 15 years in prison.
If the offense causes the death of three or more people, or serious injury to three or more people, each with a bodily harm rate of 61% or more, or a total injury rate of 201% or more, or if the offender illegally profits VND 1,000,000,000 or more, the punishment can be 12 to 20 years of imprisonment.
Additional penalties may include a fine from VND 20,000,000 to 100,000,000, and a ban from holding certain positions, practicing certain professions, or performing specific jobs for a period of 1 to 5 years.
Minh Thu
Source: VOV Online