Abu Dhabi Police raided three residential apartments and confiscated a staggering 30, 000 counterfeit designer goods. The seized items, with an estimated value of 6 million dirhams (roughly $1. 6 million), included handbags, watches, sunglasses, shoes, and perfume.
The operation unfolded after authorities received a tip regarding suspicious activity in the apartments. Upon investigation, police discovered an elaborate scheme. One of the apartments had been modified to conceal a significant portion of the counterfeit goods. Secret doors, passageways, and hidden rooms were cleverly integrated behind shelves, creating a storage haven for the illegal merchandise.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Authorities believe the men were using their legitimate jobs at nearby stores to lure customers into the hidden apartment complex, where they could finalize sales of the counterfeit goods.
This raid highlights the growing problem of counterfeit goods in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has taken a strong stance against intellectual property theft, enacting strict laws to deter the sale and distribution of counterfeit products. Abu Dhabi Police have made combating counterfeit goods a priority, working closely with the Department of Economic Development to crack down on illegal operations.
Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Abu Dhabi Police, emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance. He warned shoppers of the risks associated with purchasing counterfeit goods from unauthorized vendors. These items, he cautioned, are often of inferior quality and may even pose safety hazards. He urged consumers to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and to always request receipts and guarantees when making purchases.
The Abu Dhabi authorities' successful raid serves as a reminder of their commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring consumer safety. The confiscation of such a large quantity of counterfeit goods disrupts illegal operations and sends a strong message to those who engage in the sale of fake designer products.