Counterfeit goods worth R11m seized in Fordsburg

The raid led to the arrest of 37 undocumented foreign nationals during the operation on Thursday.

The counterfeit items included various illicit electronic items such as headphones, earphones and bluetooth speakers which have been sold in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005 and the ICASA Amendment Act No. 03 of 2006.

More than 8 000 items were confiscating, imitating well-known brands and including cellphone chargers, cellphone covers, counterfeit labels and cellphones.

"The team that executed a search and seizure warrant comprised of SAPS members, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Gauteng Traffic Saturation unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security," said police spokesperson Amanda Van Wyk.

"In addition, on Wednesday, 03 April 2024 police in collaboration with a Brand Protector operationalised intelligence which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R15 million during a bust in Fordsburg. Police arrested one suspect on charges of possession, manufacturing, and dealing in counterfeit goods."

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