Air India Airport Staff Arrested At Delhi Airport For Smuggling Gold.
24, September 2018 l NDTV
Two people, including an employee of Air India SATS, have been arrested by customs officials for allegedly trying to smuggle gold into the country with a value of Rs. 17 lakh at Delhi airport, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
Air India SATS, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited and Singapore-based SATS Limited, offers end-to-end ground handling services such as passenger and baggage handling, aircraft interior cleaning and cargo handling services among others.
A passenger was intercepted by the officials on his arrival from Bangkok on Friday.
“Further, one airport staff working for M/s Air India SATS was also intercepted, who was assisting the said passenger in smuggling,” the customs department said in the statement.
A detailed personal baggage search of the passenger and the airport staff resulted in the recovery of two gold rods crudely given shape of kada (bangle), total weighing 600 grams and having total value of Rs. 17.18 lakh, it said.
Lear MoreMen jailed for making fake L’Oreal products worth 3.25 million yuan.
21, September 2018 | Shine
Five people have been jailed for making fake L’Oreal skin care products worth 3.25 million yuan (US$474,459), according to Shanghai No.3 Intermediate People’s Court. The five men were recruited by Zhu Jun in February 2017 to make skin care products and package them in containers printed with L’Oreal trademarks at a rented factory workshop in Pudong, the court said.
Pudong police raided the underground workshop on June 15, 2017, where they nabbed five workers and confiscated 12,612 bottles of L’Oreal men’s cleaning foam. According to L’Oreal, they were all fake. Pudong’s pricing authority said the products could have been sold at 3.25 million yuan.
On charges of counterfeiting a registered trademark, the five received jail terms ranging from 30 months to 33 months. Zhu will stand in a separate trial, the court said.
Lear MoreP3-B worth of fake goods destroyed in Laguna warehouse.
20, September 2018 l Philippines News Agency
SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna — Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials and personnel destroyed on Wednesday afternoon hundreds of boxes of fake goods worth at least PHP3 billion inside an accredited warehouse condemnation facility along Narra Road in Barangay San Antonio in this city.
BOC Auction and Cargo Disposal Division and Enforcement and Security Services (ESS), together with the authentic product brand representatives, led the destruction of the counterfeit goods inside the warehouse owned by Tritek Reverse Logistics Corp.
Mia Leaño, the Auction and Cargo disposal division head led Customs personnel in destroying the bogus products while other BOC officials destroyed the labeling machine for the fake brands with the use of a sledge hammer.
“These fake products continue to undermine the legitimate brand owners in the country that are greatly affected by the proliferation of fake items,” Leaño said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048564
Lear More‘Curb illicit tobacco trade, smuggling’
TOBACCO Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) says efforts by the Zambian government to boost foreign reserves will remain exposed if the continued loss of annual revenue taxes worth K50 million through illicit trade and smuggling is not stopped.
TISA has since called for increased law enforcement and that border controls should be a priority for stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs if Zambia is to address the country’s revenue losses, resulting from a drop in copper prices, among other factors.
https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=81146
Enforcement Officers joined hands with FICCI CASCADE to fight the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting, New Delhi
July 27, 2018 | Academy for Smart Policing, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
The existence and operation of illicit markets has been an enduring problem that has escalated in scope and magnitude, impacting industries, consumers, government and economies as a whole. In fact, it is today one of the biggest challenges faced by Indian industry, impacting ‘Brand India’ globally. Intellectual property rights incentivize innovation and creativity, which strengthen the economic growth of a nation. Enforcement agencies such as the police play a pivotal role in protection of these rights. There are adequate laws available to tackle such crimes, but their adequate enforcement makes the role of enforcement officers extremely important to fight against counterfeiters and smugglers.
FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy [CASCADE] in its endeavor to fight the twin menace has over the years been sensitizing the country’s enforcement agencies on this issue, equipping them to understand and take requisite action against the various economic offenders. Keeping the above in view, FICCI CASCADE organised a training programme for Delhi police officials at the Academy for Smart Policing in New Delhi, on 27th July 2018. A key objective of the program was to sensitize the officials on seriousness of the socio-economic impact of counterfeited and smuggled goods, in terms of the huge revenue losses to the government and industry as well as the significant health & safety consequences faced by consumers and the society at large.
Mr. Vivek Gogia, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police-Training, who inaugurated the programme, referred to the various studies which disclosed how rampant counterfeiting and smuggling were in medicines, cigarettes and drugs, and why partnerships among stakeholders were vital in addressing the problem. He also spoke on how the menace of illicit trade was funding organized crime, elaborating further on how protection of IP rights played a key role in the growth of an economy, on the profit and survival of business and industry, generation of employment. Congratulating FICCI CASCADE on the useful initiative to sensitizing police officers on this very pertinent issue, he urged the participating officers to take advantage of the presence of the various subject-experts during their subsequent interactions, stressing that “Police must protect the image of our country as a good enforcer of laws”.
During the ensuing sessions, the police officers were apprised on the counterfeiting and smuggling trends witnessed in various products, percentages of illicit products sold in open markets and the revenue losses incurred by Government. Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor FICCI CASCADE and former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, spoke on the alarming occurrence of counterfeit products in various markets and its impact on the socio-economic growth of the nation. He informed that FICCI CASCADE reports estimates had put the total loss to Indian government because of illicit markets in just seven manufacturing sectors at Rs. 39,239 crores, while the estimated loss to industry was Rs. 1,05,381 crores, an increase of 44.4% in only two years, adding further that this loss was just the tip of the iceberg. The grey market economy is fueling illegitimate industry and leading to increased criminalization of the society in the form of organized crime, including terrorism. Global studies have indicated that criminal syndicates all over the world have taken to counterfeiting and smuggling to fund their nefarious activities, making our society not only unsafe but also significantly adding to the enforcement costs.
The training programme provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the enforcement of laws and practices while dealing with counterfeiters and smugglers. The ensuing speakers deliberated on the various aspects that a police officer needed to keep in mind while investigating cases of illicit trading, including: legal provisions relating to economic offences, penalties imposable for counterfeiting and smuggling; cases of international best practices in fighting counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade and practical aspects of investigation of IP and related economic crimes.
The technical sessions were followed by an Interactive-Session of the police officials with industry representatives. Industry members highlighted the on-ground practical issues which they faced with regards to the availability of spurious goods and discussed collaborative actions needed with enforcement agencies to counter this menace. Prototypes of fake and smuggled goods available in the markets were also displayed and discussed with the officers.
Among the speakers who discussed the wide-ranging concerns on this issue with the participating police officials were: Dr. Alka Chawla, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Advisor, FICCI Intellectual Property Education Centre; Ms. Shilpi Jha, Senior Legal Counsel for Intellectual Property – South Asia, Embassy of the United States of America; Mr. Vikrant Rana, Managing Partner, S.S Rana & CO, Ms. Swati Mujumdar, Regional Legal Manager – North, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.; Ms. Lohita Sujith, Director, Corporate Communications, Motion Pictures Association, India and Mr. Sanjay Kaushik, Managing Director, Netrika Consulting and Investigations Ltd.
The workshop proved helpful not only in updating the police officers on the relevant laws and procedures to be followed while dealing with the cases related to smuggling and counterfeiting, but also in sensitizing them on the need to extend increased priority in tackling the illicit trade menace in view of its significant adverse socio-economic impact on the country. During 2018-19, FICCI-CASCADE proposes to hold more such workshops across the country in briefing enforcement agencies on procedural and enforcement issues while tackling illicit trading activities.
FICCI CASCADE Think Tank Meeting, New Delhi
July 24, 2018 | ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Illicit trade holistically disrupts the sustainable development of a nation. It not only leads to loss of revenues to states, but also risks legitimate businesses. Besides, illicit trade causes significant threats to the health, safety and security of the citizens, as well as adds to costs on governance, environment and biodiversity. Problem of illicit trade is serious which needs to be dealt with sincere commitment leading to result- oriented effective steps addressing the challenge of counterfeiting and smuggling. In pursuance of the agenda, FICCI CASCADE has constituted a think tank which will advise, direct and provide necessary inputs in formulating a strong & effective course of action to eliminate the menace of illicit trade. The first meeting of the think tank is scheduled on 24th July 2018 at ITC Maurya, New Delhi to discuss factors which will help in mitigating the challenges arising out of illegal trade practices with regards to counterfeiting, smuggling and piracy.
Customs seizes over 30,000 counterfeit toys arriving at port in Charleston
Over $120,000 of counterfeit toys were taken by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents as they arrived at Charleston port, WTOC reports.
Trademarks belonging to Saban Brands, which holds the rights to Power Rangers, and Danjaq, which owns the copyright on “James Bond 007” were found as part of the shipment, as were trademarks for Apple Inc. and Cartoon Network, according to WTOC.
The shipment’s origin was China, and WTOC reports that it arrived in late June headed for an importer in North Carolina, according to Rob Brisley, spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security.
WTOC reported that in addition to the financial impact to rights holders, counterfeit products pose safety concerns because their manufacturers have no reason to adhere to safety guidelines when it comes to production or materials according to Robert Fencel, director of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency’s Charleston Area Port.
http://www.islandpacket.com/news/state/south-carolina/article164363777.html
Lear MoreFICCI CASCADE Think Tank Meeting
24/7/2018 | ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Illicit trade holistically disrupts the sustainable development of a nation. It not only leads to loss of revenues to states, but also risks legitimate businesses. Besides, illicit trade causes significant threats to the health, safety and security of the citizens, as well as adds to costs on governance, environment and biodiversity. Problem of illicit trade is serious which needs to be dealt with sincere commitment leading to result- oriented effective steps addressing the challenge of counterfeiting and smuggling. In pursuance of the agenda, FICCI CASCADE has constituted a think tank which will advise, direct and provide necessary inputs in formulating a strong & effective course of action to eliminate the menace of illicit trade. The first meeting of the think tank is scheduled on 24th July 2018 at ITC Maurya, New Delhi to discuss factors which will help in mitigating the challenges arising out of illegal trade practices with regards to counterfeiting, smuggling and piracy.
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Zimbabwe: 5 arrested for cash and gold smuggling
Zimbabwe police have arrested five persons for attempting to smuggle $4m and 98kg of gold out of the country.
The money and gold were stashed in suitcases, local media reports.
Chronicle newspaper reports that police apprehended the suspects upon tip off about their operation.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were illegally dealing in gold.
They were arrested at the leafy Harare suburb of Borrowdale. Police have confiscated the cash and gold and have launched investigations into the incident.
Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa is making efforts to deal with corruption after taking over. Last week Mnangagwa said his government has so far recovered $850m in stolen funds.
Mnangagwa during his swearing in as President last year issued an amnesty for state stolen funds to be returned.
https://africafeeds.com/2018/07/07/zimbabwe-5-arrested-for-cash-and-gold-smuggling/
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Foreign currencies worth Rs 40L seized at Trichy airport
Trichy: Authorities from the directorate revenue intelligence (DRI) secured three people and seized Rs 40 lakh worth of foreign currencies from them at the Trichy international airport.
According to airport authorities, a team of officials from the DRI intercepted the three passengers at the terminal when they were about to board a Sharjah-bound Air Indian Express flight on Saturday morning.
Subsequently, the team seized US dollars and Saudi riyals valued at Rs 40 lakh. The passengers were identified as Afraf Ali, 33, Prem Nazir, 33, Trichy and Mohammed Rizwan, 28, from Chennai.
With this, officials have so far recovered over Rs 1.08 crore worth foreign currency notes in the last five months, sources said.