Crackdown on counterfeit goods results in seizure of over 1,700 items

In a targeted operation conducted last Monday, June 19, the Police and Customs Department successfully seized over 1,700 items of clothing and toys suspected to be counterfeit goods bearing various brand names. The joint search operation carried out simultaneously in three shops located in the province of Famagusta, specifically in Ayia Napa, was led by the Intellectual Property Theft and Illegal Betting Offences Branch of the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate of the Police Headquarters. Collaborating with the Customs Department, the authorities initiated the operation based on intelligence gathered regarding the sale of fake merchandise.

During the operation, a total of 609 clothing and toy items were confiscated from the first shop, while the second shop yielded 907 clothing items. The third shop was found to possess 202 counterfeit clothing items. In total, the seized items amounted to 1,718.

Preliminary inspections conducted by Customs Department officials confirmed that the seized products were indeed counterfeit. The Customs Department, responsible for investigations due to its jurisdiction, took custody of the seized goods and will continue further inquiries.

Monday's operation was part of a broader European initiative aimed at combatting the illicit trade of counterfeit goods that infringe upon intellectual property rights.

[Information sourced from Police announcement]