In August 2022, GTS achieved a significant victory in the fight against counterfeit goods. The team managed to track down the physical locations of two notorious online counterfeit traders, leading to two successful raids. The operation culminated in the seizure of approximately 2,000 footwear products from a popular international sporting brand.
Beyond the seizure, two individuals were arrested for violating the Trademarks Act 2019. If found guilty, the offenders face a maximum fine of MYR 10,000 (USD 2,400) per infringing product or up to three years of imprisonment.
The counterfeiters went to great lengths to cover their tracks, using bogus addresses on airway bills. However, GTS investigators meticulously conducted surveillance on transport and courier companies, placing orders to trace the source of the counterfeit goods. The surveillance efforts paid off, revealing the physical premises of both targets.
One of the counterfeit operations involved an innovative method of concealing stock. Products were stored on the third floor of a building and transported to the ground floor via a makeshift pulley system, where they were left in the corridor for pickup. Despite these efforts to evade detection, the keen eyes of GTS investigators spotted the pattern and uncovered the scheme.
The success of this operation is a testament to the expertise and dedication of GTS’s field agents. Their ability to adapt traditional investigative techniques to modern challenges highlights their commitment to brand protection and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Kudos to the GTS team for a job well done! Bonuses are definitely on the cards for this exceptional effort.
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