The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has seized some P5.4-million worth of fake Havaianas slippers in two separate raids in Pasay City.
Director Victor Deona, PNP-CIDG chief, said the operation stemmed from a report on the proliferation of fake branded slippers that are rampantly being sold in some areas in two shopping centers in Pasay City.
This was further established when the authorized businessmen to sell the slippers sought police assistance about the fake products.
Armed with search warrants, PNP-CIDG operatives raided several stalls at the 899 Shopping Center and Harrison Wholesale Center and confiscated hundreds of pairs of slippers.
“The fake products bear Greek and rice pattern logos which are confusingly similar to Havaianas footwear,” said Deona.
Supt. Bowenn Joey Masauding, head of the PNP-CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, said the seized items have been taken to the PNP-CIDG warehouse and will be used as evidence against those caught selling the fake slippers.
Masauding said charges, including Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition, will be slapped against the owners and stalls and stores as well as the distributor and manufacturer of the fake products.