Counterfeit Oil is refilled in Original Containers
The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has announced the issuance of a sentence of imprisonment, fine, defamation and deportation against three Asian expats, working at a tire and auto oil shop at Rafha’a Governorate. The three expats found guilty of violating the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, by refilling counterfeit oil in original containers, thus cheating and misleading the consumers by claiming that they are of good quality.
The Ministry explained that the defendants were convicted by the General Court in Arar, and they were found guilty of violating the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law. Therefore, 14-month imprisonment, fines, and deportation from the Kingdom were imposed against the defendants. Also they are prevented of coming back to the Kingdom for work, and the ruling to be published in two local newspapers.
The details go back when MCI inspection teams, in cooperation with the security patrols in Rafha’a Governorate, monitored the expats involved in refilling bad auto oil in original oil containers. After making the necessary inspection, it has been revealed that there is a store full of old cans. Therefore, 15 cartons of counterfeit oil have been confiscated.
Accordingly, the owner was summoned by the Ministry, and the case was referred to the Public Prosecution to complete the necessary legal procedures, which in turn referred it to the judicial authorities, and thus the sentence has been issued against the violators.
MCI would like to confirm the continuation of addressing and combating those who violate the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and the trademark system. MCI will not hesitate to impose stern measures against the violators, since they pose risk on the safety of consumers and users.
It should be noted that offering any products contrary to the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law will make the violator liable to a fine of up to one million riyals or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both.
MCI calls on all consumers to lodge their complaints through MCI Consumer Call Center (1900) or through the application of a Commercial Violation Report or through the Ministry's website.