SOME P75 million worth of fake footwear were seized by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in an anti-crime raid in Meycauayan City, Bulacan last week which also led to the arrest of four Chinese nationals, a report to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said yesterday.

PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said that the suspects identified as “Weibin, Zhenpan, Youding and Wang” of Elite Globus Prime Holdings Corporation, are now under their custody and facing criminal charges.

Members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, joined by the local police, simultaneously served search warrants for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines at the three warehouses of the suspects.

The raid resulted in the confiscation of an estimated P75.4 million worth of suspected fake Crocs footwear.

Also seized by the CIDG raiders were business receipts, computer sets, a CCTV DVR, and a web mill printer.

Torre emphasized that it is the policy of the state to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations.

The arrested suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service with violation of Section 155 (Trademark Infringement) in relation to Section 170 of RA 8294 for the unauthorized use of a registered trademark or a confusingly similar mark in commerce, which may cause deception or confusion among consumers.

“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in implementing all laws and relentless in catching all violators and criminals, local or foreign nationals. We encourage the public to report any violations, illegal activities, or trade malpractices involving infringed and counterfeit products, and your CIDG will do the rest, “ Torre said

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon