EASTERN CAPE – The Gqeberha Regional Court convicted and sentenced the business owner of Autostyling, Mahesh Hooka (50) for numerous counts of contravention of the Counterfeit and Trademarks Act. This is subsequent to the summoning of Hooka and his business manager to appear in court on 04 August 2022.
Spoor and Fisher Attorneys which is a brand holder representative of Volkswagen situated in Pretoria acting on counterfeit and trademark-related matters were tasked by Volkswagen AG to work on information received that possible counterfeit Volkswagen products were sold from the premises of Autostyling, a company selling parts and accessories for vehicles in Gqeberha.
A purchase of four alloy wheels was made on 03 May 2022 and the purchased goods were analysed then confirmed to be counterfeit. The matter was reported to Gqeberha based Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for in-depth probing on 03 May 2022. The investigation led to the search of the premises by the Hawks on 30 June 2022 where 22 alloy wheels and 14 VW insignia valued at R44 250 were confiscated.
On 18 August 2022, the charges against the business manager were withdrawn.
On 31 August 2022, the court fined Hooka R44 000 on behalf of Autostyling. All exhibits are to be forfeited to the complainant’s agents for destruction.
Source: South African Police Service