NBI seizes P170 millin fake goods

MANILA, Philippines — Counterfeit products valued at more than P170 million were seized in separate raids on stalls in Manila by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Agents of the NBI-Fraud and Financial Crimes Division implemented search warrants on Sept. 17 against 15 stalls in Binondo and one stall in San Nicolas for allegedly violating the Intellectual Property Code.

The raids stemmed from a complaint filed by representatives of apparel brands New Era and ’47, which sought to stop the proliferation of fake products carrying their trademarks.

Authorities confiscated 33,744 assorted products bearing the New Era brand and 15,103 items carrying the ’47 mark, with an estimated value of P170.3 million.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago vowed sustained operations against intellectual property rights violators.