Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority tells the difference between illicit trade and counterfeits
Between November last year and June this year, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has handled cases of sub-standard goods worth Sh1 billion, out of which goods worth Sh250 million have been destroyed. The agency’s acting executive director, Dr John Akoten, spoke to Business Beat about the fight against the illicit trade that is threatening genuine businesses.
Lear MoreCouple accused of roles in counterfeit watch smuggling ring
Prosecutors say a Middlesex County couple was involved in international trafficking ring that smuggled counterfeit high-end wrist watches between Hong Kong and New Jersey.
KamWa Chan and his wife Yuet Kai Wong, are each charged with counterfeiting, money laundering and conspiracy. The couple was arrested Wednesday at their Sayreville home, but it was not made public until Monday.
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ICA foils three smuggling attempts in a day; seizes $177,000 in cigarettes and chewing tobacco
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers thwarted three different attempts of illegal smuggling of contraband cigarettes and chewing tobacco at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Monday.
The first incident occurred at 8.25am when a 43-year-old Malaysian motorcyclist was directed for checks. ICA officers found 1,080 sachets of chewing tobacco hidden in two plastic bags in the luggage box of his motorcycle. The man had another two packets of contraband cigarettes in his pocket.
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Taxing question of curbs on tobacco smuggling
GCC health ministers last month endorsed the call for a 100 per cent increase in customs duties on tobacco products.
There are two important issues related to imposing higher taxes on tobacco. The first is the need to avoid sudden, large tax rises that would lead to an increase in illicit trade. The other is that we must not let that illegal trade provide finance to organised crime groups and terrorist organisations.
http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/taxing-question-of-curbs-on-tobacco-smuggling
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What you need to know about deadly counterfeits
Consumer Reports identifies knockoff products that pose serious threats to your health and safety. The sale of counterfeit products is far from a victimless crime, as we explained in “The True Cost of Fake Goods.” Counterfeiting benefits illicit activities such as drug and human trafficking, child labor, and even terrorism, according to officials who follow the money. While many fakes are simply cheap knockoffs of designer duds, others have potentially devastating health and safety consequences. Here are some that are particularly dangerous.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/deadly-counterfeits/index.htm
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Public must expose counterfeiting to ensure safety – FDA
The Management of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) have appealed to the public to volunteer information on people who deal in counterfeit products to help eliminate the menace from the system.The management made the appeal at a day’s forum with stakeholders and the media in Takoradi to solicit public views and work together to arrest the counterfeiting of drugs and food items.
Mr Peter Agyeman-Duah, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCE) in charge of Monitoring/Evaluation, said the FDA is battling with the elimination of the unpatriotic practice that has assumed a global dimension and is posing a threat to public health and safety.
https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/08/18/public-must-expose-counterfeiting-to-ensure-safety-fda/
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Smugglers Who Moved $30.5 Mln in Embargoed Food Detained in
According to Russia’s Interior Ministry, a group suspected of smuggling 2 billion rubles ($30.5 million) worth of sanctioned products has been detained in the Moscow Region. Asia Extends Food Embargo to Five European Countries MOSCOW (Sputnik) – A group suspected of smuggling 2 billion rubles ($30.5 million) worth of sanctioned products has been detained in the Moscow Region, Russia’s Interior Ministry said Tuesday. “Seventeen searches in homes, warehouses and office buildings have been conducted. As a result, 470 tonnes of rennet products, equipment for manufacturing false labels, as well as documents confirming illegal activities, were seized,” the ministry said in a statement.
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150818/1025863112.html#ixzz3jSInI5i0
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NAFDAC arraigns businessman for counterfeiting
Magnus Onyenkwu, a businessman, was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos, by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He was charged to court for the contravention of Sections 1 (a), 5 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome processed foods (Miscellaneous Provision) Act Cap C34, Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Sections 3 (1) (a) and 17 of same Act.
http://pulse.ng/local/fake-product-nafdac-arraigns-businessman-for-counterfeiting-id4080310.html
Lear MoreMP to tackle illegal cig sales
An MP has vowed to stub out the illegal tobacco trade in Sherwood.Mark Spencer was presented with evidence of illegal tobacco purchased from a variety of locations, including convenience stores and off-licences across Sherwood during February and March.
Mr Spencer, Conservative MP for Sherwood, said: “You wouldn’t have thought this kind of illegal trading was so extensive in Sherwood, but I’ve seen evidence and I’m committed to helping and pushing the Government to help stamp it out.
http://www.chad.co.uk/news/crime/mp-to-tackle-illegal-cig-sales-1-7413517
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NJ couple accused in counterfeit watch smuggling ring
Prosecutors say a central New Jersey couple was involved in international trafficking ring that smuggled counterfeit high-end wrist watches between Hong Kong and New Jersey.
KamWa Chan and his wife Yuet Kai Wong, are each charged with counterfeiting, money laundering and conspiracy. The couple was arrested Wednesday at their Sayreville home, but it was not made public until Monday.Middlesex County prosecutors say the ring netted hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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