Officials said they are currently conducting follow-up operations to establish the identities of the members of the syndicate, who were not around when agents swooped down the warehouse.
During the raid, NBI agents seized over 225,000 bottles of imitation perfumes. Of the total volume recovered, 175,000 bottles were Chanel brand perfumes valued at P1 billion.
Chanel is currently being exclusively marketed by the Rustan’s chain of department stores. The fake perfume is being sold openly in stalls in Greenhills, San Juan.
The NBI conducted the operation following complaints that an unscrupulous group has been manufacturing fake perfume using the brand name of the imported perfume.
Investigators are now hunting down a certain Wilson Tan, believed to be an overstaying Taiwanese national and Hajji Naur, suspected as fronting for the syndicate.
Once arrested, charges of unfair competition and counterfeiting would be filed against them. – Cecille Suerte Felipe