Police have arrested 5 men and 4 women, who are suspected to be from two different syndicates involved in the sale and distribution of trade mark infringing apparel. The suspects were arrested in an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department from the morning of 23 January 10 to the late evening, in the wake of a massive joint-agency dragnet in the Geylang area the day before.

Following extensive intelligence probes, officers conducted raids at various locations island-wide including make-shift stalls at the Redhill, Ang Mo Kio and Serangoon Central areas. Police also uncovered and raided the repositories where the items were stored. Among the items seized were almost 6,000 pieces of branded apparel, shoes, slippers and other items bearing the trade marks of well-known sports and clothing brands, with an estimated street value of more than $175,000. Investigations are still ongoing and the suspects have been released on bail.

Assistant Director of the Specialised Crime Division, Criminal Investigation Department, SUPT Goh Lam Kiong, commended the officers for their good work in eradicating the syndicates and said, “Police will continue to take strict enforcement action against these pirates who profit at the expense of legitimate business and consumers."

Persons found guilty of selling or distributing infringing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists, may be fined up to $10,000 per article, up to a total maximum fine of $100,000, or imprisoned for up to 5 years of both.