NBI seizes P145 million counterfeit goods

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation agents confiscated approximately P145 million worth of counterfeit goods in Binondo, Manila, the NBI reported on Wednesday.

The bureau said its Rizal District Office executed 30 search warrants on July 26 for violations of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
The operation led to the confiscation of counterfeit Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, YSL and Saint Laurent Paris products.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the operation was conducted following a complaint the bureau received on June 26 against several establishments for allegedly importing, distributing and selling counterfeit products bearing the trademarks of luxury brands.

Surveillance and test-buy operations confirmed the presence of counterfeit goods, the NBI said.