Author: adminficci

1^st July 2025 | 11.00 am – 01.00 pm | Ahmedabad

Illicit trade has emerged as a economic disruptor fuelling organised crime, compromising consumer safety, and destabilising legitimate industry. These illegal activities bypass regulations, erode trust in lawful markets, and inflict severe losses on both the public exchequer and private enterprises. In this evolving threat landscape, law enforcement agencies, including our police forces—are the first line of defence. Their vigilance, responsiveness, and strategic intervention are crucial in intercepting illicit goods, dismantling supply chains, and safeguarding the public from the harmful consequences of such crimes. As criminal networks become more sophisticated, it is essential to continuously enhance the capabilities of enforcement personnel, not only through advanced tools and intelligence but also through knowledge, awareness, and specialised training.

Recognizing the pivotal role of law enforcement, FICCI CASCADE has remained committed to strengthening the capabilities of those on the frontlines. As part of this ongoing mission, FICCI CASCADE is organising a “Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Illicit Trade in India: Role of Police in Prevention and Prosecution” on 1st July 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The programme is designed to deepen the understanding of illicit trade among police officers and equip them with actionable strategies to detect, prevent, and prosecute these crimes more effectively.

This initiative is a step toward building a more informed, vigilant, and responsive enforcement ecosystem. By investing in knowledge-sharing and skill enhancement, we aim to empower law enforcement officers to take proactive action against one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges of our time.

30^th June 2025 | 10.30 am – 1.00 pm | Ahmedabad

FICCI CASCADE recognises that addressing the escalating challenges of counterfeiting and smuggling requires sustained awareness, informed dialogue, and collective action. These illicit activities not only disrupt fair trade and deplete government revenues but also endanger consumer safety and compromise national security. In pursuit of this mission, FICCI CASCADE is organising a Seminar titled “Illicit Trade in Focus: State-Level Action Against Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 30th June 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

This seminar will act as a strategic forum, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders—policymakers, enforcement officials, industry representatives, legal experts, and consumer rights advocates to examine the multifaceted consequences of illicit trade. Discussions will centre on its economic, social, and health implications, while also exploring collaborative solutions and policy interventions. By promoting dialogue and sharing best practices, the seminar aims to inspire a culture of accountability and vigilance. It also reinforces the idea that tackling counterfeiting and smuggling is a shared responsibility, one that requires unified action from the public and private sectors, as well as empowered consumers.

Through the discussions, FICCI CASCADE seeks to foster meaningful collaboration and drive the development of forward-looking strategies that strengthen enforcement, protect consumers, and safeguard the integrity of our markets.

Hyderabad: A gang involved in selling counterfeit mobile accessories under the Apple brand was busted by the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force in coordination with the Abids police on Monday. Authorities seized fake goods and property valued at ₹1.01 crore during the raid.

According to the police, the accused were involved in sourcing duplicate mobile accessories from Mumbai. They repackaged the products with fake Apple branding by printing and affixing logos on boxes, thereby violating copyright laws. The gang then sold these counterfeit items at Hyderabad’s Jagadish Market, deceiving customers by passing them off as genuine Apple products.

The operation has raised concerns about the scale of counterfeit goods being circulated in local electronics markets and highlights the need for stricter enforcement to protect consumers and intellectual property rights.

https://www.bizzbuzz.news/national/hyderabad-gang-busted-for-selling-fake-apple-mobile-accessories-101-crore-worth-property-seized-1363053

Guntur: In a significant crackdown on tax evasion and the illicit trade of tobacco products, Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials, in coordination with the Vigilance and Enforcement (V&E) department, conducted a surprise inspection at Shop No 33, Annapurna Commercial Complex Welfare Society, Budampadu Bypass Road here on Friday.

The operation was carried out under the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (AP GST) Act, 2017, and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The action was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the evasion of statutory tax liabilities and improper documentation of goods. Upon reaching the premises, the relevant officer, accompanied by a V&E team led by an inspector, conducted a joint search operation.

The officials said that GTPL Step and GTPL Vimal brands cigarettes were seized in 206 bales with each bale containing 2 cartons, each carton containing 60 boxes, and each box containing 20 packets of 65 mm filter cigarettes. The estimated market value of these cigarettes is Rs 1,97,76,000.

https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/gst-officials-seize-cigarettes-dishwash-soaps-973690