Latest news with #NationalCounterfeitGoodsUnit
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
R19m in fake luxury goods seized in Bloemfontein crackdown
SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods worth over R19m and apprehended six foreign nationals in a series of targeted operations in Bloemfontein. The raids were spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with assistance from the Public Order Policing team in Bloemfontein, officers from SARS Customs Division, brand protection representatives and private security personnel. Bloemfontein Courant reports that search and seizure warrants, issued under the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, were executed at selected retail premises in Bloemfontein's city centre last week. 'Over the course of two days, more than 13 000 counterfeit items were confiscated that included clothing, shoes, bags and jewellery,' says police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. '[The] majority of the seized items are imitations of high-end luxury brands.' Six foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, with one suspect also facing an additional charge of resisting arrest. 'SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and support the South African economy,' adds Van Wyk. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Fake luxury goods worth over R19 million seized
South African police have confiscated fake luxury goods valued at over R19 million during a coordinated crackdown on illegal trade in Bloemfontein's central business district this week. Six foreign nationals were arrested during the two-day operation. The takedown operations, led by the South African Police Service's (SAPS) National Counterfeit Goods Unit, targeted several shops in Bloemfontein. Police officers were supported by Public Order Policing, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officials, brand protectors, and private security teams. The team executed search, and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act, recovering over 13 000 counterfeit items, including designer clothes, handbags, shoes, and jewellery. '[The] majority of the seized items are imitations of high-end luxury brands,' said the SAPS. Six foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during the raids. One of them faces an additional charge for resisting arrest. Police did not release the nationalities of the suspects. The arrested individuals will be processed according to immigration and criminal procedures. SAPS confirmed ongoing investigations may lead to further action, particularly if links to other criminal networks are uncovered. Police say these operations form part of a strategy to combat illicit trade in South Africa. '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,' the statement read. Counterfeit goods pose a risk to consumers, erode the profits of lawful businesses, and contribute to the loss of tax revenue. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
24-05-2025
- The South African
SAPS seizes counterfeit goods worth more than R20 million
In a coordinated crackdown on the illegal trade of counterfeit merchandise, South African Police Service (SAPS) officers seized fake goods worth more than R20 million in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. The raid uncovered thousands of knockoff items, including branded handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and clothing, prompting renewed focus on counterfeit operations' economic and safety threats. The SAPS led a multi-agency operation after receiving intelligence on illicit activity in the area. The effort was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with tactical support from Crime Intelligence, the Hawks, Gauteng's Counterfeit Goods Unit, SARS Customs, Public Order Policing, and the Department of Home Affairs. Private security firms and brand protection agents also joined the sweep. Authorities executed search and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act. The outcome was staggering, over 24 000 fake items confiscated from shops and storage facilities, from luxury-branded shoes to cell phone accessories. Police arrested 35 suspects during the operation. One individual was charged under the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were arrested for violating the Immigration Act. According to police, these efforts form part of a broader campaign to disrupt organised crime syndicates and safeguard legitimate businesses. 'The SAPS remains relentless in its efforts to dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods,' the police said in a statement, adding that their actions aim to 'protect consumers against harmful products' and 'uphold the integrity of South Africa's economy.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
