Lao Cai, July 14 -- Authorities in the northern border province of Lao Cai have uncovered and dealt with 1,221 cases involving smuggling, commercial fraud and counterfeit goods since the start of 2026, a 26.53% increase from a year earlier, according to the provincial steering committee for combating smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit goods (Steering Committee 39).

Among the cases were 367 involving the illegal trade and transport of prohibited or smuggled goods, 692 related to commercial and tax fraud, and 162 concerning counterfeit products, imitation goods and intellectual property infringements. Criminal proceedings were launched in 231 cases, with 406 suspects facing criminal proceedings, while 957 cases were settled throu...