Skip to content
Fashion

Women arrested after massive haul of counterfeit cosmetics seized

By Minjun ParkChina
1 min read
Counterfeit cosmetics
Counterfeit cosmetics
In this article (5)

Two women have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the importation and possession of a massive haul of counterfeit cosmetics and perfumes.

The women, aged 21 and 23, are reported to have been in possession of more than 16,000 fake products with an estimated street value of more than SG$800,000 (US$577,360).

On July 25, Singapore Customs inspected a consignment of more than 200 pieces of perfume and cosmetic products believed to be counterfeits, and subsequently referred the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

During a 19-hour operation conducted on August 6, CID officers mounted raids at Tampines North Drive and Sunview Road, resulting in the arrests. Preliminary investigations revealed that these counterfeit products bearing falsely applied trademarks would be sold on online platforms. Investigations are ongoing.

A statement issued by the Singapore authorities stated that Singapore takes a serious view on intellectual property rights infringements and will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators who show blatant disregard for the law.

It said that anyone found guilty of importing, possessing or distributing goods with falsely applied trademarks for the purpose of trade may be fined up to SG$100,000 (US$72,165), or sentenced to five years in prison, or both.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What prompted the authorities to investigate these counterfeit goods?

A.

Singapore Customs inspected a consignment of more than 200 perfume and cosmetic products on July 25, which they believed to be counterfeits. This initial finding then led them to refer the case to the Criminal Investigation Department.

Q.

How many counterfeit products were seized and what was their estimated value?

A.

More than 16,000 fake products were seized during the operation. These counterfeit items had an estimated street value exceeding SG$800,000, which is equivalent to US$577,360.

Q.

Where were the raids conducted to make these arrests?

A.

During a 19-hour operation on August 6, CID officers mounted raids at two specific locations. These were Tampines North Drive and Sunview Road, which resulted in the arrests of the two women.

Q.

What are the potential penalties for those found guilty of such offences?

A.

Anyone found guilty of importing, possessing, or distributing goods with falsely applied trademarks for trade purposes may face a fine up to SG$100,000, or five years in prison, or both.

Reader pulse

What is the biggest takeaway from this seizure?

19,661 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Monday, Wednesday and a Friday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Monday, Wednesday and the Friday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready