Tuesday, Jun 11, 2013
Ajman: Ajman Police say they have made one of the largest seizures in the world of counterfeit printer cartridges and components worth Dh280 million.
The details of the smashed counterfeit ring were revealed by Colonel Shaikh Sultan Bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, deputy director of Ajman Police and head of the Traffic Committee, in Ajman on Tuesday during a press conference held at the Ajman Police headquarters.
Computer giant HP International was tipped off by a few traders that people were selling counterfeit ‘HP’ toners in Ajman. The vital information was relayed to Ajman Police, who followed up by forming a team headed by Brigadier Ali Saeed Al Matroushi, Director of the Police’s Operations Room to investigate.
Ajman Police raided two warehouses and a villa in Ajman and another apartment in Dubai which was used by the suspects to pirate products with the help of workers, said police.
The raid uncovered an illegal counterfeit operation filled with packaging materials and security labels as well as finished goods.
The counterfeit goods were intended to be circulated in UAE markets.
Two Chinese people were arrested.
Ajman Police’s investigation so far suggests the two suspects have a carpet company in Ajman which they used as a front to practise their illegal operations, The company name was written on a signboard and installed on the warehouses to show that the warehouses were used for carpets.
The counterfeit goods were seized from a store in Jebel Ali.
Police said that the suspects were practicing their illegal activity for two to three months and a number of counterfeit computer products were sold in UAE markets.
HP representatives attended the press conference and thanked Ajman Police for their efforts and distributed certificates to the CID who seized the counterfeit goods.
“HP is exceptionally grateful,” said one HP official.
The company thanked Ajman authorities for their swift action that not only led to the seizure of counterfeit toners but also to the arrest of the suspects.
Colonel Al Nuaimi said the battle against pirated products is not yet over as more effort has to be made to help make the public aware about the negative impacts of using counterfeit products and to be knowledgeable in identifying fake products.
Ajman Police are, however, making it possible to combat the evils of counterfeiting.
Colonel Al Nuaimi said that the authorities in Ajman are contacting ports and other border points to investigate whether the suspects exported goods to other countries.
The suspects face jail terms of less than one year and fines ranging between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000,
Colonel Al Nuaimi said that the Ajman Police held a meeting with Chinese businessmen when they opened a Dragon mart in Ajman and explained to them that under UAE law, counterfeit products are prohibited.
By Aghaddir Ali Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
