28-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A 42-year-old woman has been apprehended by Singapore authorities for allegedly importing and possessing counterfeit products with an estimated value exceeding $142,000. The arrest comes as a result of a joint operation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies in the city-state.
The Singapore Police Force and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a statement on 27 August detailing the operation, which took place between 15 and 19 August. The investigation was initiated after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) received information from the ICA and a referral from Singapore Customs regarding a suspicious consignment of potentially trademark-infringing apparel.
Acting on this intelligence, CID officers conducted simultaneous raids in two locations: the vicinity of Bukit Batok West Avenue 6 and Bukit Batok Street 22. The operation culminated in the seizure of more than 14,200 pieces of allegedly counterfeit clothing items and the arrest of the woman suspected of being involved in their importation and possession.
The scale of the seizure highlights the significant value of the counterfeit goods market and the challenges faced by authorities in combating intellectual property rights infringement. Such activities not only undermine legitimate businesses but also pose risks to consumers who may unknowingly purchase substandard or potentially harmful products.
Under Singapore’s Trade Marks Act, the suspect, if found guilty, could face severe penalties. The law stipulates a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both, for offences related to the importation and possession of counterfeit goods.
The police have emphasised their commitment to tackling intellectual property rights violations, stating that they “take a serious view of intellectual property rights infringement”. They also issued a stern warning to the public, reminding them that the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods are serious offences that will not be tolerated.
“Tough action will be taken against perpetrators who profit at the expense of legitimate businesses and consumers,” the police statement added, underscoring the authorities’ determination to protect both industry and public interests.
