The Ajman Police have stepped up its hunt for fake branded jewellery traders, manufacturers, and distributors, seizing a large number of counterfeit items from various showrooms across the emirate, a top official said.
The shops were found selling accessories with fake trademarks of global brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier.
A counterfeit necklace with an '18-karat gold' label, for example, was being sold at Dh3,000 while its original counterpart is usually priced at a whopping Dh45,000.
According to the police investigation, some workshops were commissioned to make such counterfeits, in which case the buyers and customers were also deemed liable for the fraud.
The violators were arrested and the laser machines used to imitate the brand trademarks were confiscated. Traders that sell and produce counterfeit goods face criminal and civil liabilities where fines of up to Dh50,000 are imposed.
Police's crackdown on the fake jewelry trade stemmed from a complaint filed by a reputed international company. Since then, the team has been raiding outlets across Ajman.
Machines these days were getting more sophisticated, making it easier and cheaper for frauds to replicate various itemrs, especially branded ones, the official said.
He urged consumers to be cautious in buying branded jewelry and other goods, advising them to buy only from reputable sellers. Residents are also advised to report any suspicion of commercial fraud.
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