Court sentences woman for selling counterfeit liquor
The pair were arrested in March 2023, after they were found selling counterfeit liquor valued at more than R600 000 at a local liquor store.
ERMELO – Julian Yan (30) has been sentenced by the Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Court to three years’ imprisonment, with the option of a R100 000 fine, after being convicted of selling counterfeit liquor on August 20.
Half of her jail term was suspended for three years, on condition that she is not convicted of a similar offence during that period.
Her co-accused, 55-year-old Muhe Lin, had his charges withdrawn.
The pair were arrested in March 2023 by the Hawks’ Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, after they were found selling counterfeit liquor valued at more than R600 000 at a local liquor store.
Investigations showed that the two could not produce either proof of purchase in South Africa or import documents for the liquor.
Both were initially charged on three counts of contravening the Customs and Excise Act.
The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the outcome and urged the community to report any liquor outlets that are selling counterfeit alcohol as it poses a serious health hazard.
“The Hawks will always act on information provided by community members, which falls within our scope of investigation. It is our duty to serve and protect the community,” Gerber said.
