CIDG seizes P1.5-M fake bags

Over 4,600 pieces of fake Louis Vuitton bags and ladies accessories worth P1.5 million were seized by police during a raid in Binondo, Manila over the weekend.

Chief Superintendent Ricardo Dapat, officer-in charge of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), said the fake items were confiscated during simultaneous raids in 23 stalls inside a mall in Binondo.

Dapat noted that the raids were conducted following complaints from Louis Vitton representatives Francis Ledesma and Michael Tutanes that stores in the mall were selling products using the brand name without authorization from their company.

Dapat ordered his men to conduct surveillance in the area, during which lawmen confirmed the selling of fake products.

CIDG agents secured search warrants from Manila Judge Antonio Eugenio of Regional Trial Court Branch 24, resulting in the seizure of the fake items, including bags and wallets.

Dapat said the CIDG has so far been active in raids on stalls and business establishments selling fake products. The CIDG earlier launched Oplan Mega Shopper, the flagship project on trademark infringement, copyright law and Intellectual Property Rights violations. — Cecille Suerte Felipe