A 30-year-old man appeared at the Southport Magistrates Court last week for allegedly selling counterfeit electronic goods at a retail kiosk in Surfers Paradise.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) stated it received a tip-off from Trademark Investigation Services (TMIS) - a private agency which investigates complaints against importing, wholesaling and selling counterfeit goods.
The referral led investigators to a kiosk located at a shopping centre in Surfers Paradise, selling electronic accessories, leading to the Bulgarian national's arrest.
“On 12 January, the AFP with assistance from TMIS, executed search warrants at the kiosk, two residential addresses in Surfers Paradise, and at a third location in Algester, Brisbane," stated the AFP.
"During the search warrants, the AFP seized numerous items with false trademarks, including 145 headphones, 65 speakers, 91 mobile phone covers, 10 mobile phone chargers, headphones, and various boom boxes. TMIS estimate the retail value of the goods seized by the AFP to be $43,000.”
While searching the man’s premises, the Queensland Police Service also seized an unregistered semi-automatic .22 rifle, an unregistered .556 bolt action rifle and "a large quantity" of ammunition.
The AFP subsequently arrested and charged the man with selling and possessing counterfeit goods, contrary to section 148(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1995.
The police also mentioned in court that the offender was using false business names and identities to operate the kiosk and an online site to sell the counterfeit goods as genuine.
AFP manager crime operations Paul Osborne said this case should serve as a warning to other venders attempting to sell or buy counterfeit products.
Selling counterfeit products in Australia can attract a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, and two years for trademark offences.
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