On April 4, 2025, Vietnamese social media was rocked by news that two of its most prominent influencers, Hằng Du Mục and Quang Linh Vlog, were prosecuted and taken into custody by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. They, along with three others, face charges of “producing counterfeit food products” and “misleading consumers.”
🌱 The Kera Candy Controversy
At the heart of the case is a product called Kera, a so-called vegetable-based candy that the two influencers aggressively promoted through livestreams and social platforms. The product was positioned as a health supplement for children and adults alike.
However, authorities later found that the advertising was false and exaggerated, misleading millions of followers who purchased the product based on the influencers’ reputation. The candy was produced by CER Group (Chị Em Rọt Group), where Hằng Du Mục served as Chairwoman, and Quang Linh was a board member.
In March 2025, both were fined 70 million VND (roughly $2,800 USD each) for false advertising and were required to correct the claims. Now, with new evidence suggesting intentional deception and production of fake goods, the matter has escalated into a criminal case.
👤 Who Is Hằng Du Mục?
- Real Name: Nguyễn Thị Thái Hằng
- Born: 1995
- Hometown: Cà Mau, Vietnam
Hằng Du Mục rose to online fame with her TikTok and Facebook videos, documenting her nomadic lifestyle and explorations in rural China. Her raw, emotional storytelling and bold travel diaries earned her:
- 4.9 million followers on TikTok
- 2.2 million followers on Facebook
She built an image as a free-spirited, courageous woman who had overcome personal struggles, including past abuse, to inspire others. Many admired her for her candidness and resilience.
🌍 Who Is Quang Linh Vlog?
- Real Name: Phạm Quang Linh
- Born: 1997
- Hometown: Nghệ An, Vietnam
Quang Linh became a YouTube phenomenon with his channel “Quang Linh Vlogs – Cuộc sống châu Phi” (Life in Africa). Starting in 2016, he worked in Angola and began vlogging his daily life, local culture, and later, charity work across African communities.
His content often showed him helping build schools, dig wells, and support the local population, earning him admiration for bridging cultures and doing humanitarian work abroad.
⚖️ The Fall from Grace
The joint venture between these two influencers in CER Group seemed like a natural extension of their public personas, uplifting, entrepreneurial, and rooted in community. But their involvement in marketing a counterfeit product has now put everything in jeopardy.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how deeply they were involved in the production and misrepresentation of the candy. Their millions of fans are now left questioning: Were they victims of a bad business move, or intentional fraudsters?
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