News24 | 6 arrested after cops confiscate counterfeit goods worth more than R19m in Bloemfontein

Police seized fake luxury goods in Bloemfontein.

• Police confiscated over 13 000 counterfeit items worth more than R19 million in Bloemfontein.
• Most of the goods, including clothing, shoes, bags, and jewellery, were imitations of high-end luxury brands.
• Six foreign nationals have been arrested.

Police arrested six foreign nationals and seized counterfeit goods worth more than R19 million during separate take-down operations in the Bloemfontein CBD.

Over the course of two days, police confiscated more than 13 000 counterfeit items that included clothing, shoes, bags, and jewellery, the majority of which were imitations of high-end luxury brands, said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.

READ | Businessman fined R136 750 for selling fake Apple products in Gqeberha

“The operations were led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from members of Public Order Policing (POP) in Bloemfontein, officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division, brand protectors, and private security personnel,” said Van Wyk.

The search and seizure warrants were done in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in the Bloemfontein CBD.

The six individuals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. One of the suspects is also facing an additional charge for resisting arrest.

“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods in order to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses, and support the South African economy,” Van Wyk added.

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