EASTERN CAPE - A 50-year-old business owner and his 34-year-old business manager were served with summons by the Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks on 19 July 2022 for numerous counts of contravention of the Counterfeit and Trademarks Act. The duo is expected to make its first court appearance in the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 04 August 2022.

It is alleged that 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 the Hawks for in-depth probing. 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. The search led to the summoning of the duo to appear in court.

Source: South African Police Service