JMPD strikes massive blow against counterfeit goods: Shocking discoveries made in multi-million Rand operation

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) recently encountered a multi-million rand counterfeit goods operation in Eikenhof. During crime prevention patrols on Wednesday, officers halted a white Toyota Quantum Panel Van on R82 (Vereeniging Road) and Swartkoppies Road in Kibler Park, leading to the discovery of suspected counterfeit clothing items (headwear). When police asked the driver to produce receipts, he could not and led officers to a plot in Eikenhof.

As reported by The Citizen, officers discovered additional suspected counterfeit goods at the plot, including branded caps, hats, beanies, and three embroidery machines. Offices summoned the alleged owner of the premises. Upon arrival, he claimed to rent the plot and oversee the activities. Officers called the Police, South African Revenue Services (Sars) customs officials, and Brand Protectors to verify the items and process the scene. The Chinese and Zimbabwean nationals with South African citizenship were arrested and held at the Mondeor Police Station in Johannesburg. The two male suspects, aged between 54 and 55, were arrested for contravention of the Customs and Excise Act, Contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act, and bribery. The alleged kingpin even attempted to bribe the officers with R30 000 to secure his and his accomplice’s release. Officers seized counterfeit goods and embroidery machines with an estimated combined value of R 3 075 000.

In other news, four Standerton licensing officials have received sentences to hefty fines or imprisonment for multiple counts of fraud committed at the local registering authority between 2013 and 2019. The fraud cost the Mpumalanga provincial government millions of rand. The officials appeared in the Middelburg Regional Court on Wednesday, receiving their sentences.

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Picture: Twitter / JoburgMPD