Millions Worth Of Counterfeit Footwear Seized,
Chinese National Charged
A Chinese national was arrested and charged for breaches of the Customs and Trademarks Act following the seizure of more than 1900 pairs of counterfeit shoes at a haberdashery in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, April 1.
A team from the Transnational Crime Investigation Division of the Specialized Investigation Branch were on operation at about 11:30 a.m., on Barry Street when the establishment was searched and the following counterfeit items were seized:
l 773 pairs of Crocs
l 672 pairs of Nike slippers
l 194 pairs of Nike sneakers
l 262 pairs of Puma slippers
The police arrested 51-year-old Hou Qin, a sales supervisor of a Kingston 5 address, for the offences of Unauthorised Use of Trademark and Misleading and Deceptive Conduct. The estimated street value of the items seized is JM$6.3 million.
In response to the arrest, Head of TCID, Detective Inspector Troy Daure, said the SIB will pursue those who breach intellectual and trademark laws.
“I want to advise the public to purchase goods from reputable and authourised retailers. Counterfeit products that are illegally manufactured and sold under another company’s brand name pose serious risks to customers, as they are often produced without adherence to safety and quality standards. The Transnational Crime Investigation Division within the Specialized Investigation Branch will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who breach intellectual property and trademark laws,” said Detective Inspector Daure.
Qin is to appear in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on Monday, April 20.
