CIDG arrests Chinese, seizes P53.3M counterfeit insecticides in Tarlac

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), thru it's Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit (AFCCU), arrested a Chinese national and seized P53.3-million worth of counterfeit insecticides in Gerona, Tarlac on 7 November.

According to the CIDG, the AFCCU together with representative from Zhejiang Huayi Biology Science and Technology Corp. Ltd., CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and Police Regional Office 3 implemented Search Warrant for violation of Section 155 in relation to Section 170 of Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines).

The said operation was conducted at a warehouse in Barangay Parsolingan that resulted in the arrest of a Chinese suspect, and the confiscation of alleged counterfeit and trademark infringing aerosol insecticide canisters and equipment for manufacturing, with a total estimated value of P53,358,500.00.

A report that reached PM Gen. Robert AA, Morico II, the Director of CIDG‎, stated that the arrested suspect “De Yu” is a Chinese male owner of the warehouse that was caught while allegedly manufacturing, storing and trading aerosol insecticide canisters without the consent or authorization of the owner of the registered trademark

The authorities seized voluminous unfilled canisters, pressed canisters, canister lids, tin sheets/plates to be used for manufacturing canisters; and machinery and equipment used in the production of alleged counterfeit or trademark infringing aerosol insecticide canisters, with a total estimated value of P53,358,500.00.

The Director of CIDG emphasized that the State protects and secures the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial to the people.

The arrested suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with Violations of Section 155 (Trademark Infringement); Section 168 (Unfair Trade Competition); Section 169 (False Designations of Origin; False Description or Representation); in relation to Section 169 (Penalties) of Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines).