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A 46-year-old bartender, Le Tan Gia, was arrested in Vietnam for allegedly producing a lethal homemade limoncello that caused the deaths of a British couple in December. According to local police, Gia used 70% medical-grade alcohol, which is hazardous for consumption, to create the drink, which he sold to the couple on December 24. Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, were found dead in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa shortly after consuming the beverage and reportedly suffered from severe methanol poisoning. Police confirmed that the couple's cause of death was indeed methanol poisoning, as verified by autopsy results. The couple had contacted family members on Christmas Day, expressing concern over their health, with Otteson mentioning visual disturbances. This incident has heightened concerns over food safety regulations in Vietnam, prompting local authorities to investigate unwanted practices in the bar industry. Meanwhile, Canadian officials recently issued travel advisories following similar incidents linked to tainted alcohol in nearby Laos.

A bartender in Vietnam was arrested on February 7 after allegedly causing the deaths of a British couple due to methanol poisoning from homemade limoncello. The bartender, identified as 46-year-old Le Tan Gia, faces charges for violating food safety regulations, according to local police. On December 24, Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and her fiancé, Arno Quinton Els, 36, consumed the homemade limoncello, which was reportedly made with 70% medical-grade alcohol, not intended for consumption. Authorities stated that after drinking the concoction, the couple suffered serious methanol poisoning, leading to their deaths just days later, with their bodies discovered on December 26. Both victims were experienced travelers and had been living in Vietnam. According to Otteson’s family, they were planning a future together and were well-regarded in their community. Following the incident, officials are investigating the broader implications of contaminated alcohol in Vietnam, drawing attention to risks consumers face when purchasing homemade beverages.

A British woman and her South African fiancé were found dead at their villa in Vietnam in December 2024, and authorities have determined that methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol was the cause of death. The couple, identified as Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, had recently moved to Vietnam and gotten engaged just weeks before their untimely deaths. The couple was found in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa. They had consumed tainted homemade limoncello that they ordered from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve. The following day, Otteson contacted her parents via WhatsApp, reporting severe hangover symptoms, including seeing "black spots" in her vision. Despite a friend's offer to take them to the hospital, the couple declined help. Following the discovery of their bodies, police found empty liquor bottles at the scene, leading to the autopsy results confirming methanol poisoning as the cause of death. Their families described them as experienced travelers who were excited about their life in Vietnam. Otteson’s parents have expressed their intention to seek justice for their daughter and her fiancé. No arrests have been made in relation to the case, and the name of the restaurant where the alcohol was purchased has not been disclosed.