Consumer group asks NBI to probe online counterfeit trade

Consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division to investigate online sellers, accounts and listings allegedly distributing counterfeit goods.

In a letter to the NBI, the group said the online marketplace remains flooded with unregulated and potentially dangerous counterfeit products despite voluntary takedowns by e-commerce platforms.

Malayang Konsyumer convenor Mark Jansen Magsano said the online counterfeit trade should be treated as an organized commercial cybercrime rather than a series of isolated offenses.

The group urged the NBI to use its powers under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, including warrants that could help identify anonymous operators and preserve digital evidence.

Specifically, Malayang Konsyumer asked the bureau to seek Warrants to Disclose Computer Data to identify anonymous store operators and Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data to secure digital evidence.

The group said counterfeit medicines, vitamins, cosmetics and electronic products sold online could expose consumers to health, fire and toxic chemical hazards.

The appeal comes amid intensified law-enforcement efforts against online fraud and counterfeit goods.

The Philippine National Police has stepped up intelligence-gathering and entrapment operations against networks allegedly involved in cross-border fraud and online counterfeit trade.

The NBI has also conducted operations this year resulting in the seizure of millions of pesos worth of suspected counterfeit luxury goods, technology products and beauty items in Rizal, Pasay and Manila.

Malayang Konsyumer said enforcement efforts should also focus on online platforms to identify and disrupt counterfeit networks at their source.