Police seize counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R11 million and arrested 37 undocumented foreign nationals during an integrated takedown operation in Fordsburg

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the National Commissioner

FORDSBURG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with its various crime fighting partners continue to dismantle and dislodge the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.

The SAPS' National Counterfeit unit led another integrated takedown operation on Thursday, 04 April 2024, which targeted 18 shops inside a shopping centre in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. This resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R11 million and over R40 000 in abandoned cash. Police also arrested 37 undocumented foreign nationals.

The team that executed a search and seizure warrant comprised of SAPS members, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Gauteng Traffic Saturation unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security.

Over 8000 items imitating well-known brands were seized during this operation which included cellphone chargers, cellphone covers, counterfeit labels as well as cellphones.

The seized items also included various illicit electronic items such as headphones, earphones and bluetooth speakers which are in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005 and the ICASA Amendment Act No. 03 of 2006.

In addition, on Wednesday, 03 April 2024 police in collaboration with a Brand Protector operationalised intelligence which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R15 million during a bust in Fordsburg. Police arrested one suspect on charges of possession, manufacturing, and dealing in counterfeit goods.
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Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk
067 484 8235

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