NBI agents seize P2 million worth of fake Epson ink in Manila
NBI logo over a shot of the facade of its headquarters
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confiscated more than 7,000 bottles of fake Epson printer ink worth P2 million in a raid at two condominium units in Quiapo, Manila.
Both condo units, which serve as warehouses of an office supply trader, are at the BMK E-Commerce Park, the NBI said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The NBI agents found 1,518 bottles of fake ink in one unit and 5,774 bottles in the other.
The raid was conducted on Feb. 21.
The NBI conducted the raid at the request of the Singapore office of Seiko Epson Corp., which coursed the request through React, a global non-profit organization fighting counterfeit trade, according to lawyer Jonathan Selvasegaram, head of the Asia-Pacific division of React.
WAREHOUSE OF FAKE GOODS. An NBI agent holds two bottles of counterfeit Epson printed ink as he inspects a room filled with boxes of fake products which the raiding team discovered in two condominium units in Manila’s Quiapo district. PHOTO FROM AFFILIATE AGENCY OF NBI
Selvasegaram said six online sellers had been selling the fake ink which came from the same person.
“The raid, which resulted in confiscating the biggest volume of counterfeit Epson ink bottles so far, clearly demonstrates the commitment of Philippine law enforcement agencies, particularly the NBI, to combat the trade in fake goods,” Selvasegaram said.
“The online trade in counterfeit products is a problem, not only in the Philippines but around the world,” he added.
He pointed out that the actions taken by the NBI to address counterfeit ink products would result in a positive business impact.
COUNTERFEIT EPSON PRODUCTS. Fake Epson ink bottles with a total market value of Ph₱2 million were found by NBI agents, armed with search warrants, when they raided the premises of an online trading firm. PHOTO FROM AFFILIATE AGENCY OF NBI
However, he emphasized that the fight against illegal trade depends not only on law enforcement agencies.
“We need everyone’s cooperation to stop this counterfeiting menace that is hurting legitimate sellers, consumers, the reputation of product manufacturers, and the economy in general,” Selvasegaram said.
Epson Philippines has posted a list of authorized dealers on its webpage to lessen the influx of fake ink bottles and cartridges sold online.
“Consumers can contact these stores and buy from them to be sure that they’re getting genuine printer ink as well as other Epson products,” Selvasegaram said.
