O
Orochi
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="789"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3" height="26"></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="5"></td> <td colspan="2" valign="top" width="784"> Police arrest nine, seize S$175,000 worth of counterfeit goods
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 January 2010 2355 hrs
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SINGAPORE : Police have arrested five men and four women who are suspected to be from two different syndicates involved in the sale and distribution of trade mark infringing apparel.
The suspects were arrested in an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department from the morning of January 23 till the late evening, in the wake of a massive joint-agency dragnet in the Geylang area the day before.
More than S$175,000 worth of counterfeit goods were seized during raids at various locations island-wide, including make-shift stalls at the Redhill, Ang Mo Kio and Serangoon Central areas.
Police also uncovered and raided the repositories where the items were stored.
Among the items seized were some 6,000 pieces of branded apparel, shoes, slippers and other items bearing the trade marks of well-known sports and clothing brands.
Investigations are still ongoing and the suspects have been released on bail.
Assistant Director of the Specialised Crime Division, Criminal Investigation Department, Supt Goh Lam Kiong, commended the officers for their good work in eradicating the syndicates.
He added: "The police will continue to take strict enforcement action against these pirates who profit at the expense of legitimate business and consumers."
Persons found guilty of selling or distributing infringing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists, may be fined up to S$10,000 per article, up to a total maximum fine of S$100,000, or imprisoned for up to five years of both. - CNA/ms
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