Since the establishment of the National Counterfeit unit in November last year, the team in collaboration with its crime fighting partners seized counterfeit goods worth over R300 million.
To date, the team also seized 31 vehicles which were used in the commission of the crime and arrested 23 suspects of different nationalities during a number of takedown operations across the country. In addition, police also seized various manufacturing equipment such as sewing-, embroidery-, and silk-screening machines which were used to counterfeit unbranded items.
On Wednesday, 13 March 2024 the National Counterfeit unit led yet another integrated takedown operation which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R80 million in Bellville, Western Cape and arrested two Somalian suspects.
The team comprised of SAPS members from various specialised units, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Border Management Authority (BMA) and Brand Protectors.
Nearly a 100 000 counterfeit items were seized during this operation that included clothing, sports apparel, shoes, bags, caps and perfumes.
Last week, the team seized counterfeit goods worth over R9 million in the Johannesburg CBD during a similar takedown operation.
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