P5 M worth of reconditioned Nokia cellphones seized

More than 500 reconditioned Nokia cellular phones worth around P5 million were seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during recent raids in various cellphone stalls in Quiapo, Manila.

CIDG head Chief Superintendent Arturo Lomibao warned traders engaged in selling reconditioned cellphone units, which they pass as brand new to unsuspecting customers, to stop their activities since this is in violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The CIDG has ordered the investigation into the activities of the owners of stall G-41, G-42 and G-52 following the raids conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Alfredo Flores of Regional Trial Court Branch 167.

Lomibao said the CIDG has received various complaints from buyers who bought units in the raided stalls. Upon verification with the Semicon Industries and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), it was revealed that the stalls were not authorized to sell or repair Nokia cellular phone units. – Christina Mendez