Chinese trader charged over fake food products

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal cases have been filed against a Chinese trader who was arrested recently in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur for selling fake food seasoning valued at P3.83 million, police reported yesterday.

A complaint for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code was filed by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against the suspect, identified only as Lin.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the arrest was based on a complaint filed by Nestle Philippines Inc., which accused the suspect of selling a fake version of the company’s seasoning product.

The suspect was arrested in a sting in Barangay Bulatok on June 5.

Police said they seized from the suspect 728 boxes of fake consumer products.

Morico said the CIDG is mandated to enforce laws protecting the intellectual and property rights of the people.