Php 70-M worth of fake smartphones, electronic goods seized in Binondo

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MANILA — Joint inter-agency government operatives seized about Php 70-million worth of counterfeit smartphones, electronic gadgets and accessories during a raid of a warehouse of a top online shop supplier in Binondo, Manila last Monday.

In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the warehouse, located in Barraca Street in Binondo was owned by LFA Enterprises, who claimed to be the top supplier in the Philippines of electronic gadgets, toiletries, small home appliances, and accessories to various popular online shopping sites.

The seized items included fake Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy Grand, iPhone 5s iPhone 5c, iPhone 4s, Nokia Duos, assorted Android tablets of various brands, Apple Shuffle, smartphone casings, power banks, juice blender, and Lacoste perfumes, among others.

Some of the goods do not have ICC marks required for imported electronic products and accessories.

The raid was conducted based on the strength of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) issued by Port of Manila District Collector Mario Mendoza.

The WSD was issued on the complaint of several brand holders and their representatives on the proliferation of counterfeit products being marketed and sold online.

Present during the raid were representatives of several brand holders.

The fake items were seized by the combined operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Enforcement (NICE) Team and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG).

The BOC NICE–CIDG Team is conducting follow through operations and investigations to pin down and file charges against those behind the LFA operations.

Meanwhile, the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), said the government has seized Php 13.3-billion worth of fake goods in the first 11 months of the year.