1000 fake Samsung, Nokia, Jio phones seized in Ahmedabad, case against 14 traders

Ahmedabad Police has busted a counterfeit mobile phone racket, seizing 1,034 fake Samsung, Nokia and Jio phones, along with laptops and accessories, worth Rs 7.07 lakh.A case has also been filed against 14 traders, including retailers and wholesalers, for selling counterfeit devices bearing fake logos and trademarks.The crackdown was carried out by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) following information about counterfeit mobile phones being sold to customers in the market. Police raided five shops and warehouses, including Bholenath Mobile and Mahavir Mobile.The seized items included mobile phones worth Rs 6.61 lakh, along with laptops, chargers, batteries, stickers and other accessories. The traders reportedly failed to produce bills for the goods. During the investigation, police found that the phones carried fake logos and trademarks. Verification involving Samsung representatives and legal agencies confirmed that the seized Samsung phones and accessories were counterfeit.Investigators also found stickers bearing identical IMEI numbers on 50 to 60 phones. In some cases, the IMEI numbers printed on the stickers on the back of the phones did not match those inside the devices. Some discontinued Samsung models were also allegedly being sold as new. Police said the accused had procured the counterfeit products without bills from wholesale traders operating out of Raj Complex and Metro Plaza on Kalupur Relief Road.The case has been filed against 14 traders under relevant provisions of the Trademark Act and for fraud.Officials said that the investigation is underway to identify the main operators behind the racket, trace the supply chain and determine whether the counterfeit phones were used for cyber fraud or other illegal activities.Police have also urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing mobile phones at unusually low prices.- Ends