More than KSH 10 million worth of Counterfeit Samsung Phones plus accessories have been seized from a sting counterfeit mobile phone operation by Inspectors from Anti-Counterfeit Authority. The officers raided several seven mobile phone outlets in downtown Nairobi along Mfangano Street and seized 213 counterfeit mobile phones. The street is graded as a notorious hotspot for selling counterfeits in the city. The operation which was conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Illicit Trade Agency Limited, the appointed Samsung Brand Protection Agency.

The raid was carried out based on a tip-off received by the Agency from the Anti-Illicit Trade Company team as well as the public regarding counterfeit models in the street. Seven shopkeepers were arrested during the raid. The estimated value of the seizure is based on the present market price of the original versions.

Briefing the media after the raid, the Director of Anti-Illicit Trade Company Mr. Peter Mutula said the counterfeiters conceal the Samsung brand to avoid higher tax brackets from the customs authorities while at the same time infringing on the Samsung trademark at the selling level. This deceit leads to unfair trade to the genuine retailers as well giving consumers poor quality products that have no warranties and do not last long.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority reiterates its call on consumers of mobile phone and other merchandise to ensure that they buy their products from authentic points of sale and shun the heinous act of counterfeiting, which sell at a throw-away price in order to woo more customers. They should cultivate the culture of inquiring clear product information on quality and huge price variations from the traders. They should also demand product Warrantees against their purchases.

"We had received particular information that there are stores selling counterfeit phones and others pasting fake stickers of Samsung brand on the body of the mobile phone. We have seized 213 mobile handsets and over 1,000 duplicate mobile telephone accessories including chargers," Said Mr. Tom Muteti, the Chief Public Communication Officer from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

Traders were also warned against importation of counterfeit products into the Kenyan market as the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008 prohibit trade in counterfeits.

The traders will be charged with possession of counterfeit goods for purposes of sale. If convicted of counterfeiting the suspects shall serve an imprisonment term not exceeding five (5) year or a fine of a minimum of three times the retail value of goods or both. For second offenders or subsequent conviction, they may serve an imprisonment term not exceeding 15 years or a fine not less than 5 times the retail value of the goods or both.

Search and seizure operations on counterfeit products run on continuous basis and as such, all perpetrators of illicit trade shall be brought to justice.

Tom Muteti
Chief Public Communication Officer