A multi-agency team led by the National Police Service raided businesses in Nairobi Central Business District over fake electronics and phones.
The raid was conducted by police, where they confiscated notable branded mobile phones among other electronic accessories which were being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
According to the multi-agency team, the sting operation targeted sellers of fake and substandard goods being sold to consumers especially during the festive season.
One person was arrested in connection with counterfeit electronics value at Ksh17 million.
Police stated that the government has intensified the battle against counterfeit products imported into the country.
The government stated that it is keen on enhancing consumer safety, protecting legitimate manufacturers from copyright infringement and curtailing tax leaks.
This year the government has been tough on fighting counterfeit goods sold in Nairobi and other major cities in the country noting that the industry is said to be costing the country at least Kshs2 billion in taxes.
A crackdown led by Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) in collaboration with the Police led to the arrest of four suspects with fake electronic products worth Ksh5 million on July 15, 2021.
The traders operate four wholesales along Ronald Ngala Avenue. The four stocked the outlets with suspected fake mobile phones accessories such as phone chargers, headsets, phone back covers, and earphones bearing brands of big companies.
The crackdown was made following complaints raised by the members of the public who have visited the outlets only to buy substandard accessories.
The ACA warned other traders who are in the same business who managed to escape the dragnet.
In May 2021, another trader was fined Ksh80,000 after being found in possession of uncustomed goods contrary to the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004.
Milimani Principal Magistrate, David Ndunge, found the trader, Francis Kariuki Macharia, guilty of being in possession of 6000 bottles of 300 ml Azam energy drinks that were uncustomed and of a customs value of Ksh155,000.
