Seven people have been arrested after detectives from the Anti-counterfeit authority seized 213 fake mobile phones worth Ksh 10 million in Nairobi's Mfangano street.
The authority stated they were able to raid the shops following a tip-off from members of the public and the Anti-illicit Trade Agency Limited.
The seven that were arrested risk being charged with possession of counterfeit products and may serve a jail term of up to fifteen years.
“For second offenders or subsequent conviction, they may serve an imprisonment term not exceeding 15 years or a fine not less than 5 times the retail value of the goods or both,” read the statement sent to newsrooms by the authority.
Anti-illicit trade agency director, Peter Mutula, stated that counterfeiters avoid higher taxation by using known brands.
Chief Public Communication Officer from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Tom Muteti added that they had seized 213 mobile handsets and over 1,000 duplicate mobile telephone accessories.
At the same time, six other people have been arrested in Kisauni and Mwembe Tayari in Mombasa on Thursday after a police crackdown on illegal electronics trade.
The items seized are 43 phones, 22 laptops among others.
The Anti-counterfeit authority also called upon the mobile phone users to purchase their products from authentic selling points.
