South African authorities seize Louis Vuitton and counterfeit goods worth over ¥370 million

The recent takedown operation targeted shops in Pretoria Central and Centurion.

Authorities in South Africa have seized numerous counterfeit products worth over ¥370 million in an operation which was carried out in the last few months, according to latest reports.

The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods led the operation in collaboration with the South African Police and other vital agencies as they aim to clean the system and ensure that product owners earn revenue from their products.

South African Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, has revealed that the operation was centered at Pretoria Central and Centurion as they seized numerous goods and products deemed to be counterfeit.

“More than 2 000 items were seized that include high-end counterfeit clothing, shoes, handbags, caps, watches, sunglasses, and belts as well as toys,” van Wyk told reporters.

In a related operation, the police seized illicit cigarettes worth R4.5 million during a takedown operation in Brits in the North West last month.

The recent operation was led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from Crime Intelligence and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).