Police seize over 18 000 counterfeit items worth R15.5 million in the Johannesburg CBD

This week the National Counterfeit Goods Unit in collaboration with its crime fighting partners seized counterfeit goods worth R15.5 million during an integrated takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD, which targeted a shopping mall on the corner of Rahima Moosa and Von Wielligh Streets.

On Friday, 21 June 2024 police in collaboration with members of Gauteng Traffic, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security companies executed a search and seizure warrant in terms of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.

Intelligence also led the team to hidden storage facilities at the mall whereby special equipment was utilised to gain entry.

The operation resulted in the seizure of over 18 000 counterfeit items seized that included shoes, sports apparel, handbags, caps and perfumes.

In addition, the team seized counterfeit goods worth R6.6 million on 13 June 2024 and also seized counterfeit goods worth R5.8 million on 07 June 2024 during similar takedown operations in the Johannesburg CBD.

This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past three weeks to nearly R28 million.