'Used Item Bought Turns Out to Be Fake'... Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Seize Counterfeit Goods Worth 2.3 Billion Won

Gyeonggi Province has arrested 15 individuals for selling counterfeit products of famous brands.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police announced on the 11th that they had caught 15 people violating the Trademark Act by selling counterfeit products (fakes) that illegally used famous brands through various methods at large warehouse-type stores and online secondhand markets.

In a major case, three suspects including Mr. A were caught during this crackdown for selling counterfeit products in large quantities to an unspecified number of people using real-time broadcasts on social networking services (SNS) from large distribution and storage warehouses. The Special Judicial Police seized 3,507 counterfeit items worth approximately 1.48 billion KRW in genuine product value from this location.

Cases of major illegal activities in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods cracked down by the Gyeonggi-do Special Judicial Police. Provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Suspects B and C were found to have sold fake golf equipment and clothing to an unspecified number of people through online secondhand marketplaces such as A Market and B Jangteo, while operating retail and wholesale businesses for screen golf centers and golf apparel.

Suspect D is accused of producing and distributing counterfeit products by unauthorized printing or attaching famous brand logos on ordinary clothing in a warehouse next to a restaurant and cafe, which appeared to be a food ingredient storage area, to evade investigation.

Suspect E was confirmed to have sold counterfeit clothing using famous brands while simultaneously operating a women's clothing store and a luxury clothing alteration shop.

The current Trademark Act stipulates that those who infringe on trademark rights may face imprisonment of up to seven years or fines of up to 100 million KRW.

Ki-do Gi, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, stated, "Counterfeit products mostly use low-quality fibers or chemical products to reduce production costs, which raises concerns about exposure to harmful substances for consumers, posing a threat to the health and safety of residents. The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police will do their best in investigating counterfeit products to establish a fair distribution order in our society and create a safe consumption environment for residents."