Hyderabad: 4 arrested for smuggling gold worth Rs 1.38 crore.
Four persons were arrested by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials in Hyderabad Tuesday for smuggling gold worth Rs 1.38 crore. Foreign-make gold weighing 3099 grams in 31 pieces was seized.
After receiving specific intelligence that four persons were traveling to Hyderabad by road along the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway, the DRI-Hyderabad unit mounted surveillance at Raikal toll plaza on the outskirts of the city to nab them.
According to an official press statement, the officials intercepted one person traveling by a private bus at the toll plaza and subsequently, three more persons who were traveling by a private cab were caught.
“They were found to be carrying a total of 31 pieces of foreign-origin gold bars of 999 purity, totally weighing 3099 grams and valued at Rs 1.38crore. The smuggled gold of foreign-origin was being carried without any documents, and the four persons failed to prove licit import of the gold bars,” the statement said.
The four persons admitted that they were smuggling gold and they were indulged in the activity in exchange for financial consideration, the statement read. The four were arrested under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 and further investigation is on.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/gold-smuggling-hyderabad-arrest-6286425/
Over 12 million illegal cigarettes and thousands of litres of alcohol taken off the streets
More than 12 million illegal cigarettes, thousands of litres of alcohol and 2,000 kilos of tobacco have been taken off the streets.
The incredible amount of illegal products has all been seized from across Yorkshire within nine months.
Officers from HMRC’s Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) seized 12.2 million cigarettes and 2,032 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco.
It was all worth more than £5.2 million, from shops, storage units, lorry trailers and homes across the county between April and December in 2019.
The team also seized more than 7,000 litres of illicit alcohol and 52 vehicles illegally running on red diesel, and took action against several registered oil dealers.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/over-12-million-illegal-cigarettes-17793124
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C-TOC seizes over $7 million worth of counterfeit goods MoBay
Members of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) arm of the police force, acting on intelligence, carried out a raid at a store in Montego Bay, St James on Thursday, during which they seized counterfeit goods valued at over $7 million.
The raid, which was carried out at a store operated by Chinese nationals on Barnett Street, netted shoes, bags and other items.
Speaking with reporters, Assistant Superintendent Victor Barrett revealed that charges are coming for the store operators.
“Our intelligence is suggesting that there might be other locations, so we are continuing our investigation,” said Barrett. He warned shoppers that the purchasing of counterfeit items is facilitating a breach of the copyright law.
“I would encourage the public that they should be careful when shopping for items. They should look out for the three ‘Ps’: the place in which you are buying, the price, and the product. Look at the packaging,” he warned.
https://www.loopjamaica.com/content/c-toc-seizes-over-7-million-worth-counterfeit-goods-mobay
Lear MoreAlmost 90,000 illegal cigarettes seized from van on Freeman Street.
Around 90,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized from a van following a raid on Freeman Street.
North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards and Humberside Police raided a business on the East Marsh street after receiving information that there had been suspicious activity with cigarettes being passed from one vehicle to the other.
Officers found one of the vehicles that they had been alerted to and searched it, finding 89,860 cigarettes and 1Kg of rolling tobacco. All of the tobacco and 79,900 of the cigarettes are thought to be fake.
The cigarettes had an estimated street value of £20,000, and would have been worth £47,500, if sold legitimately. Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “Credit to the officers who seized these illicit tobacco products and to Humberside Police for their continued support.
“This is the latest in a series of operations carried out by our Trading Standards officers to uncover this illicit trade. “This seizure means that since July 2019 we have seized 159,360 cigarettes and 149 pouches of tobacco.
https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/almost-90000-illegal-cigarettes-seized-3868048
Lear MoreST bus found carrying 30 booze bottles.
Abag containing Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) was seized from a Volvo bus of GSRTC in Kodinar and the driver of the bus arrested. The bus was on the route from Diu to Mundra.
As per Anirudhsinh Jadeja, GSRTC Rajkot depo manager, “Rajkot divison’s GSRTC Volvo bus operates on the route from the Union Territory of Diu to Mundra in Kutch. Today the bus started at its usual timing at 4 pm. The bus reached Kodinar on its regular route.
However, at Kodinar it was found that there was a consignment of illegal alcohol bottles in the trunk of the bus.
VV Parmar, DSO at Kodinar police station said “The depo manager of Kodinar bus station, Purvi Dangar, came to know that there was a parcel of alcohol bottles in the bus. She immediately stopped the bus and called the police, which reached the spot at 8.20 pm. The Kodinar police found 30 bottles of alcohol from the bus, which included 15 bottles of whiskey and 15 bottles of Smirnoff Vodka. The driver of the bus, Chetan Ranchhodbhai Rathod (30), was arrested.”
Opinion: It’s time to call a fake a fake.
The Indian automotive industry went through some tough times in the year 2019. The double digit de-growth and unprecedented slowdown were a result of several contributing factors. Among these, the growth of the Indian counterfeit auto parts market adversely affected the auto industry.
As recorded by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the Indian counterfeit auto parts market was worth Rs 1 lakh crore in 2019. Despite many attempts at solving this problem, the fake auto parts market is unfortunately thriving in India and the ongoing slowdown has led to many OEMs struggling to find a solution for the same.
According to a FICCI-Cascade report, counterfeiting in the auto sector results in tax revenue loss of about Rs 2,200 crore to the government.
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New US anti-counterfeit legislation to kill fake trade across the ASEAN region.
Counterfeit product sales are at an epidemic level and it seems unstoppable. The international trade in non-domestic counterfeit and pirated products equates to $509 billion annually and growing . This represents up to 3.3% of world trade. Alarmingly it is a growing trend, showing a 10.5 per cent increase on the previous 2013 figures. Also, according to US Customs & Border Protection data, over 75 percent of goods seized between 2004 and 2009 were manufactured [in China].
I think it’s fair to say that this growth in counterfeit sales is driven by two things, consumer demand and efficient channels to market. From a consumer perspective, buying a fake product seems like a win for the buyer and a ‘no foul’ transaction. The reality is far more sinister. First of all because counterfeit products can be dangerous and even deadly. For instance, FICCI CASCADE, an industry body in India estimates that “Nearly 20 per cent of accidents on Indian roads are caused by counterfeit auto-products. Further in the FMCG sector, 30 percent of goods sold are fake and 80 per cent of consumers believe that they are using genuine products.” Additionally, proceeds from counterfeiting are used to fund illegal and terrorist activities. Most disturbingly, it is reported that forced child labour is used in the manufacture of fake luxury and other goods. With witnesses seeing first-hand children chained, mutilated and underfed while working long hours. Counterfeit sales also have a knock-on impact on reduced jobs and stifling innovation, which is bad for society as a whole.
Textiles sector vulnerable to increasing counterfeiting.
Ramesh Chand Meena, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Rajasthan, today said that crimes related to counterfeiting and smuggling have increased across the world.
He made the observation while speaking at FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) seminar on ‘Containing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – A Step Towards Prosperous Nation Building’.
“Counterfeiting and smuggling related crimes have increased manifold in the global market resulting in revenue loss to government and businesses and adversely impacting the health and safety of the consumers” Mr Meena said.
Extending his support, the Minister sought close collaboration with FICCI CASCADE to address the issue. The seminar discussed the importance of increased awareness on the hazards of counterfeiting and smuggling, and need for effective enforcement to enhance India?s economic development.
KL Jain, Member, FICCI Rajasthan State Council & Honorary Secretary General, RCCI, said that illicit trade has a serious decelerating effect on growth which must be curbed substantially. Consumers must be emphasized on taking a bill on every purchase for making India a tax compliant nation and encouraging citizens to be a part of progressive nation building.
http://www.smetimes.in/smetimes/news/top-stories/2020/Feb/17/counterfeiting-textiles50625.html
Lear MoreConsumer Meet and Candle Light Congregation on Unite Against Counterfeiting and Smuggling- A Step towards Nation Building, Jaipur
14/02/2020 |Jaipur
Illicit trade decelerates nation’s progress, be it economic, social, environmental, besides impacting the safety and security of the country and its people. It is estimated that the global illicit trade is now of the size of about US $3 trillion. In order to address the menace of illicit trade, FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a consumer meet and candle light congregation on “Unite Against Counterfeiting and Smuggling- A Step towards Nation Building” in Jaipur on 14 February 2020.
Over 150 consumers with candles in their hands and banners stating, ‘Buy Make in India’, ‘Say no to Counterfeits’ and ‘Say No to Smuggled Goods’ partook in this initiative to highlight the need to fight the menace. The participants pledged against using fake and smuggled products in the larger interest of the nation’s economy. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinod Shankar Dave, Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court, in his special address at the consumer meet, emphasized that the youth had to take the responsibility of acting as torch bearers in spreading the message of the perils of counterfeiting and smuggling. He further added that as responsible citizens, everyone must remember their fundamental duties towards making the country safe and prosperous.
According to Dr. K. L. Jain, Honorary Secretary General, Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, strict penal provisions coupled with strong enforcement is the need of the hour which will create the much-needed deterrence to stop such offences.
Dr. Anant Sharma, National President, Consumers Confederation of India was of the view that the fight against illicit trade was for the nation, its progress and its future. As consumers it is our duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the industry in making India a fake and smuggled-free market. It culminated with a common consensus to strengthen the voice against illicit trade with increased awareness, collaboration and collective actions of all stakeholders.
Coverage reportDownload Pdf
Seminar on Containing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – A Step Towards Prosperous Nation Building, Jaipur
13/02/2020 | Jaipur
India, due to its massive strides in the world economic arena, has become a favourite of the smugglers and counterfeiters, who indulge in illegal economic activities with no concern other than making fast profit at any cost. Illicit trade decelerates a nation’s progress, be it economic, social, environmental, besides impacting the safety and security of the country and its people. It is estimated that the global illicit trade is now of the size of about US $3 trillion.
In order to address the menace of illicit trade, which is now a major worldwide concern, FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a seminar to contain the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling in Jaipur on 13 February 2020, in keeping with its nationwide awareness campaign on the issue. The focus of the seminar was to provide stakeholders with the tools, information and the capacity needed to tackle the rising concern on illicit trade.
“Counterfeiting and smuggling related crimes have increased manifold in the global market resulting in revenue loss to government and businesses besides adversely impacting the health and safety of the consumers”, observed Mr. Ramesh Chand Meena, Hon’ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Rajasthan, chief guest at the seminar. Extending his support for the FICCI initiative, he looked forward to working in close collaboration with CASCADE to address this issue.
Dr. K L Jain, Member, FICCI Rajasthan State Council and Honorary Secretary General, Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), while welcoming the participants, highlighted that counterfeiting and smuggling adversely impacted industries, consumers, government and economies as a whole. Illicit trade has a serious decelerating effect on economic growth which must be substantially curbed. Among other steps, consumers should be made aware of the importance of taking a bill on every purchase they make to help make India a tax complaint nation and thus contribute to progressive nation building.
Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs, while speaking on the adverse socio-economic impact that illicit trade had highlighted the that overall global losses due to counterfeiting and piracy stood at Rs. 57.23 lakh crore in 2013 and was expected to go up to Rs. 119.7 lakh crore by 2022. Mr. N K Jain, Member, FICCI Rajasthan State Council & President of the Employers Association of Rajasthan, delivered the vote of thanks.
The focus of discussion during the seminar was on the importance of increased awareness about the hazards of counterfeiting and smuggling, and the need for effective enforcement to enhance India’s economic development. During the panel discussions, there were extensive deliberations on the role of enforcement agencies, government and industry in combatting illicit trading activities. Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, while presiding the panel discussions, stressed on the need to have a multi-disciplinary approach to encounter this challenge. Society at large, trade and industry, enforcement agencies and policy makers need to come together to fight this concern. He said that the problem was two-fold: counterfeiting and smuggling,and needed to be dealt with through collaborative, effective and stern actions. Joining him on the panel were Mr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Principal Commissioner of Custom, Jaipur, Mr. Honhar Singh Meena, Additional Director, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Jaipur Regional Unit, Mr. G D Bansal, Vice Chairman, The Bar Council of Rajasthan, Mr. Vishnu Peri, Legal Consultant – Central Region, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. and Mr. Tanmay Jaswal, Founder & Director, Chkfake Brand Protection Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Enforcement officers underlined that counterfeiting and smuggling were attractive propositions due to three factors: easy to emulate, low investments and lack of technical expertise to identify those engaged in such malpractices. They also observed that among various products, cigarettes particularly were mostly prone to smuggling as it was a low-risk, high-reward criminal activity. The panellists stressed on the need to implement existing provisions of laws and simultaneously move towards a more technology-enabled system to counter such illegal operations. They agreed that a strong deterrence in the form of impeccable laws was needed to be put in place to curb the illicit trade menace.
Coverage reportDownload Pdf