Fake Apple accessories racket busted in Mumbai, goods worth ₹16.33 lakh seized

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): In a major crackdown on counterfeit branded goods, Mumbai Police has busted a racket selling fake Apple mobile accessories in the Ghatkopar area. The Pantnagar Police Station team seized counterfeit items worth around ₹16.33 lakh and registered cases against six shopkeepers.

Raid conducted on secret tip-off

According to police, the कार्रवाई was carried out based on confidential information that some shops in Patel Chowk and Niloyog Mall area of Ghatkopar East were selling fake accessories under the Apple brand name.

A special strategy was devised, and police teams were divided into six groups to conduct simultaneous raids at multiple locations.

Wide range of fake products seized

During the operation, six दुकानों were raided and a large quantity of counterfeit products was recovered. The seized items include mobile chargers, adapters, USB cables, phone covers, back panels, earphones, AirPods and batteries.

Police said the products were designed to closely resemble genuine Apple items and were being sold to customers as original products at higher prices.

Apple team confirms counterfeit goods

Officials from Apple were also present during the raids. Authorized representatives of the company examined the products on the spot and confirmed that all the seized items were fake, using technical verification methods.

Legal action initiated

Investigations revealed that the accused were illegally using Apple’s logo and design without authorization. They allegedly procured cheap counterfeit goods and sold them at premium rates by misrepresenting them as genuine.

Cases have been registered against all six shopkeepers under Sections 51 and 63 of the Copyright Act. The seized goods have been sealed for further investigation.

Police said the crackdown on counterfeit branded goods will continue and efforts are underway to identify others involved in the racket.