Three men, aged between 26 and 44, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the importation and possession of counterfeit mobile phones and components for the purpose of trade.
Singapore Customs (SC) stated in a press release on Thursday (2 May) that it intercepted a consignment from China consisting of more than 500 pieces of mobile phone components believed to be counterfeits at the Changi Airfreight Centre on 15 April 2019.
The authority said that the case was then referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
In a 15-hour operation conducted on 26 April 2019, CID officers mounted raids at Keppel Road, Henderson Road and Boon Tiong Road, resulting in the arrests.
During the operation, more than 3400 pieces of mobile phones and components bearing falsely applied trademarks of well-known brands, with an estimated street value of about S$290,000, were also seized.
Investigations are ongoing.
The authorities stressed that it takes a serious view on intellectual property right (IPR) infringements and will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators who show blatant disregard for Singapore’s IPR laws.
It stated that anyone found guilty of importing, possessing or distributing goods with falsely applied trademarks for the purpose of trade may be sentenced up to a maximum fine of $100,000, or an imprisonment term of up to five years, or both.
