Philippines police seize counterfeit footwear

Over 45,000 pairs of counterfeit Crocs shoes were recovered.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police recently seized counterfeit footwear to the value of PHP 152 million (GBP 2.05 million/USD 2.61 million).

The CIDG Pampanga Field Unit and local police served search warrants for violations of the Intellectual Property Code on a foreign national who was allegedly operating a counterfeit production ring in San Simon town.

During the operation, the CIDG discovered more than 45,000 pairs of counterfeit footwear marked with the ‘Crocs’ trademark, in addition to machinery, moulding plates, order slips, raw materials and sales invoices. All the fake footwear was given to Crocs for safekeeping until a ‘clarificatory hearing’, which is scheduled to begin on February 26th 2025.

According to Philippines National police chief Francisco Marbil, the operation was in line with governmental efforts to combat what it terms ‘economic sabotage’, particularly smuggling.

“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of businesses and consumers,” said Chief Marbil who, discussing the strategy added: “Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate enterprises but also pose significant risks to public safety.”

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 3 of the January 2025 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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