37 illegal immigrants arrested as police find R40,000 hard cash and counterfeit goods

In a coordinated effort to combat illegal activities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and various crime-fighting agencies executed a successful operation in Johannesburg, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R11 million.

IOL reports that the operation, which targeted 18 shops inside a shopping center in Fordsburg, Johannesburg, led to the arrest of 37 undocumented foreign nationals and the confiscation of over R40,000 in abandoned cash.

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, SAPS spokesperson, emphasized the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.

The operation, led by the SAPS national counterfeit unit, involved a multi-agency task force comprising officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the SA Revenue Service (Sars), the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa), Gauteng Traffic Police, brand protectors, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security personnel.

Van Wyk highlighted the significance of the operation, noting that over 8,000 items imitating well-known brands were seized, including cellphone chargers, cellphone covers, counterfeit labels, and electronic items such as headphones, earphones, and Bluetooth speakers.

These items were found to be in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act and the Icasa Amendment Act.

The successful operation underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating illegal trade and protecting consumers from counterfeit and illicit products.


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