Counterfeit goods operation busted in Midrand

The Gauteng Organised Crime Unit seized various alcohol brands, bottle capping machines, packaging machines, imported spice counterfeit products in bags and counterfeit packaging materials for a well-known spice producing company at two different warehouses in Midrand today, 14 March.

This according to a statement released by the South African Police Service. The statement said, “Three suspects have been taken into custody and will be charged with fraud and charges related to tax evasion.”

Various brands of alcohol were found in one of the warehouses. The alcohol brands are said to have been destined for the export market. These products were allegedly being recapped and identification marks were removed so that they could be sold in South African at a cheaper price.

According to the statement, the police suspect that these products are purchased at a cheaper price as products that are meant for the export market. By doing this, they are able to fraudulently evade paying tax on all goods, including those sold locally.

When the police went to the second warehouse,  they found packing machines, packaged counterfeit spices and spice powder in numerous bags.

In the statement, the police said, “Two suspects were found inside the premises while they were busy producing spices and packing them in packets for a well-known spice company.”

The suspects will be detained at Midrand Police Station while the police are conducting further investigations relating to their unlawful activities.

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/199919/identify-avoid-counterfeit-electrical-products/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/179268/r1-million-counterfeit-sneakers-ceased-in-joburg-cbd-bust/