Blitz on illegal tobacco trade
Ten shops in the district were caught selling illegal tobacco products in an undercover sting.
Counterfeit tobacco and smuggled cigarettes were found in a test purchasing operation by cigarette company Japan Tobacco International (JTI). And the shops were found to be selling illicit tobacco products, according to JTI
http://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/local-news/blitz-on-illegal-tobacco-trade-1-7085089
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Why Harrogate’s MP supports plain packs for cigarettes
Removing the branding from cigarette packaging will remove the attraction of smoking, according to Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.Mr Jones’ views come as the government plans to bring into force legislation for plain cigarette packaging before the general election, including giving a free vote for MPs.
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Six individuals and two companies accused of smuggling tobacco
Five individuals appeared today at the Montréal courthouse to face charges of conspiracy and smuggling tobacco, while another accused person, Carlos Almeida de Oliveira, is the subject of an arrest warrant. According to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) investigation, the accused developed and carried out a plan to illegally bring tobacco products into Canada without paying duties and taxes owing under the Customs Act and the Excise Act, 2001.
China’s Alibaba meets with commerce regulator over fake product row
The head of China’s commerce regulator met with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. chairman Jack Ma on Friday to discuss combatting fake products, the official Xinhua news agency reported, with the two adopting a conciliatory tone after a row over illegal business on the internet company’s platforms.
Ma promised to “actively cooperate with the government (and) devote more capital” to weeding out fake goods, Xinhua said.Zhang Mao, minister of the State Administration
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/30/alibaba-group-saic-idUSL4N0V976420150130

Harman International sends legal notice to Shopclues over fake JBL products
The report adds that a probe by Harman International, which makes the popular JBL speakers and headphones, found a sizable number of fake products on the website and has asked the e-tailer to withdraw all products and remove any listings of fake JBL branded products as well as blacklist the vendors.This seems to be the second time this month Shopclues has run into trouble for showcasing and selling counterfeit products. L’Oreal, Tommy Hilfiger, Skullcandy and RayBan have initiated legal actions against Shopclues in the Delhi high court in connection with sale of counterfeit goods and the HC has granted interim injunctions against the website, restraining it or anyone associated with it from the use, manufacture, sale, supply or display of counterfeit goods of these brands.
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Former Royal Navy chef jailed over £1m ‘fake’ sea bass scam
A former Royal Navy chef has been jailed after conning frozen food giant Iceland into selling the wrong kind of fish to customers.
A judge branded the £1.1 million fraud a “scandal” and said public confidence at a time of heightened concern about the origin and identification of food was “seriously undermined”.
Michael Redhead, 49, replaced sea bass with a cheaper oriental perch, then forged an email confirming it was the same fish.
http://www.itwire.com/your-it-news/home-it/66807-video-no-choice-but-to-fight-fake-fans-fake-reviews
Lear MoreLooking for Bargains? Beware of Online Counterfeits
Looking for a bargain online? Beware: many products that appear to be authentic may be counterfeit.
Upland resident Lori Noyes recently found out the hard way when she got an email promising deals on handbags. The email appeared to have been generated by popular designer Michael Kors.
“It said it was a special invitation, only a few hours, so I clicked on it, took a look around, it looked like his site,” Noyes told NBC4’s I-Team.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/investigations/Online-Counterfeit-Warning-290356291.html
Lear MoreFDA warns of fake anemia drug
THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public over the presence of counterfeit drugs for anemia saying its consumption may pose safety and health risks for patients. Based on FDA Advisory No. 2014-085, the FDA is warning the public over the presence in the market of counterfeit Epoetin Beta (Recormon) 5,000 IU/0.3mL Solution for Injection with Batch Number H0029H09. “The FDA was informed by Roche Philippines, Inc. of the confirmed counterfeits of Epoetin Beta (Recormon) 5,000 IU/0.3mL Solution for Injection with Batch Number H0029H09 found in Pampanga,” said the FDA.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/01/30/fda-warns-fake-anemia-drug-389328
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$19.5 Million Worth of Fake NFL Goods Was Seized in One of the Largest Sports-Related Counterfeit Operations
Government authorities shut down several counterfeit operations this year, seizing $19.5 million worth of fake sports merchandise, reports WWD. Dubbed “Operation Team Player,” the federal agency teamed up with the NFL for this project after last year’s Super Bowl.During the year-long project, authorities made 52 arrests and confiscated over 326,000 items, including fake jerseys, hats, T-shirts, and Super Bowl-themed merchandise. Counterfeit goods were found by identifying international shipments, which helped authorities track down the warehouses and flea markets where the goods were being held and hawked.
Police, taxmen impound smuggled cigarettes
POLICE in collaboration with trade and tax officials have arrested three people in unlawful possession of smuggled cigarettes worth billions shillings in Mbagala area, Dar es Salaam.
The trio was arrested by the police, TRA and Fair Competition Commission (FCC) officials at various places in Mbagala stocking and selling nontax paid cigarettes, said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Simon Siro.He named the suspects and added that they would appear in court soon. They are EfesoTweve, OmaryMetson and Frank Mrema. Upon conviction the suspects could face up to 15 years in jail or 50m/- fine.