Hawks swoop on Boksburg shops selling fake car parts, accessories
The Hawks' concerted efforts to fight the widespread intellectual property crimes in partnership with various stakeholders in the country are yielding great results following several search and seizures executed in several parts of the country.
Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) confiscated R500 000 in counterfeit vehicle parts and accessories on May 6.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Philani Nkwalase, the seized goods were being allegedly sold to customers as genuine Ford products at three businesses trading at a shopping centre.
“The Intellectual Property Rights Section attached to the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team and Tactical Operations Management Section both from the Hawks at head office, working together with brand protector experts from Spoor & Fisher Attorneys, executed a search and seizure disruptive operation in line with the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 on these three businesses.
“This follows a systematic investigation into dealing in counterfeit vehicle parts and accessories, which were sold under the guise of genuine Ford-branded products,” said Nkwalase.
“This search was preceded by a test purchase of products to secure a successful search warrant. During the search, large quantities of vehicle parts and accessories bearing the Ford brand and logo were found on each of the three business premises.
“The seized goods were transported to the designated counterfeit goods depot, pending the finalization of the criminal and civil cases against the suspects.”
Nkwalase said: “The suspects will at a later stage be served with J175 summons to appear in court for contravention of the counterfeit goods Act.
Also Read: Running flat with “replica” wheels – The dangers of buying fake or counterfeit alloys
Also Read: Counterfeit goods seized at local storage
