MCI inspection teams, in cooperation with the joint security campaigns, raided yesterday evening a large warehouse used for storing counterfeit and fake telecomm devices and supplies in Riyadh.
After carrying out the necessary follow up and investigation for two months, MCI inspectors succeeded to detect a warehouse and basement used by illegal labors to store counterfeit and fake telecom items at a traditional house in Aziziyah district south of Riyadh.
The inspection tours, carried out by MCI inspectors on a number of markets in Riyadh two months ago, led to the disclosure of the warehouse that had been supplying counterfeit telecom items to the shops.
The seizures included two million and 750,000 fake and forged telecom items, such as batteries, chargers and telephone headsets, as well as forged packages and stickers of famous trademarks, including “Apple” and “Samsung”, ready for distribution and marketing.
MCI inspectors, with the support and cooperation of the security forces, monitored illegal labors involved in fixing fake and poor quality chargers, batteries, headphones and plugs on the phones, then they used to re-pack such items in cartons bearing international brands, thus misleading the consumers by claiming that they are original.
All fake quantities were seized and the owner was summoned by the Ministry for further investigate and for taking the necessary legal procedures, in preparation for referring the case to the Public Prosecution.
It is worth mentioning that such commercial fraud is subject to a fine of one million Riyals or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both.
MCI would like to confirm the continuation of its inspection and control rounds on warehouses and commercial establishments to verify their regular work and to eradicate any sub-standard products from the markets, stressing that it will not hesitate in imposing the legal penalties on violators and those involved in the practice of fraud and counterfeiting.
MCI calls on all consumers to lodge their complaints or observations through MCI Consumer Call Center (1900) or through the application of a Commercial Violation Report or via the Ministry's website.