Counterfeiters arrested in Riyadh

(MENAFN- Arab News) RIYADH: A large quantity of counterfeit ink cartridges was seized and a group of illegal workers who were manning an improvised factory were taken into custody for forging and counterfeiting trade marks in the Kingdom.
On a complaint made by a member of the public the inspection team from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) found the counterfeit ink cartridges in a residential villa in Malaz in the heart of Riyadh.
According to the MCI its officials found the villa turned into a factory housing three warehouses three offices and a plant to make counterfeit trademarks.
The authorities arrested the illegal residents who were engaged in distributing the counterfeit goods to the local market claiming that they are of high quality and thus deceiving and misleading consumers.
In cooperation with the police the MCI inspectors rounded up the illegal workers and handed them to the police. They also shut down the operations and initiated a full inquiry to give the necessary punishment under the law.
During the raid more than 500 counterfeit ink cartridges bearing the brands of "HP" "Panasonic" "Samsung" and "Cannon" were seized in addition to more than 7000 posters and cartridges ready for counterfeiting beside some tools used for re-filling and packaging.
Recently the ministry shut down a similar facility in Al-Khaimah in Jeddah after seizing SR18 million worth 70000 counterfeit ink cartridges of well-known brands.
Those involved were summoned by the MCI for investigation and the case was referred to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution in accordance with the established procedures.
The raids were as part of MCI inspection rounds implemented by the ministry on warehouses and all commercial institutions to verify their regular operations and to ensure that consumers are not tricked into buying counterfeit goods.
The MCI emphasized in a statement that it will not hesitate in imposing the legal penalties on offenders and those involved in the practice of fraud which put the health and safety of consumers at risk.
MCI urged all consumers to report their complaints and observations through the toll free number 1900 or through the application of a Commercial Notification.