PRETORIA – The Intellectual Property Rights Section attached to the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team together with Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) both from the Hawks at Head office in concert with Brand protector experts from Spoor & Fisher Attorneys executed a search and seizure disruptive operation on Wednesday and Friday, 20th and 22nd July 2022, in line with Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997.
The joint team pounced on two businesses, one trading in Tungsten Street in Kempton Park and another in Motor City in Midrand Gauteng.
These two operation were preceded by a meticulous investigation into the allegations of dealing in counterfeit vehicle parts and accessories sold under the guise of genuine Ford and Volkswagen branded products.
A test purchase of products to secure successful search warrants which was obtained for each of the business premises was executed. Furthermore, during the search, large quantities of vehicle parts and accessories bearing Ford brand and logo were found from each of the two business premises.
The goods worth a combined value of R150 000 were seized and transported to the designated counterfeit goods depot pending the finalization of the criminal and civil cases against the suspects. The suspected duo aged 33 and 40 will at the later stage be served with J175 summons to appear in court for contravention of the counterfeit goods Act.
