The Air Intelligence Unit of the Kannur International Airport, under the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, intercepted a passenger who arrived from Jeddah and seized 997.9 g of gold valued at over ₹89.96 lakh. The passenger, a native of Kasaragod, was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962 and further investigation is under way. The officers registered 16 cases in March in connection with attempts to smuggle cigarettes and nicotine products to the tune of ₹34 lakh. They also seized 262.7 g of gold valued at ₹21.3 lakh and 13 kg of saffron worth ₹15.6 lakh in the month.
Fake Apple Products Worth Rs 1 Crore Seized In Goa, Three Arrested
Panjim: A massive consignment of fake Apple products worth Rs 1 crore have been seized by the Goa police. During the crackdown on the counterfeit Apple products the Goa police also arrested three accused involved in the illegal act and seized fake Apple products from various shops in Mapusa. A senior police official identified the accused as Arjun Kumar, Karmi Bharti, and Dashrath Puri, all hailing from Rajasthan. The police are interrogating the three accused to determine other members involved in the fraud game.
The Goa police officials stated that the accused were apprehended on March 27 after a raid was conducted at their shops. The police recovered a range of counterfeit Apple products, including back panels, batteries, flashlights, cameras, earphones, power adapters, and data cables.
2 women held for circulating fake currency
New Delhi: Two women were arrested for being in possession of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in southwest Delhi Sarojini Nagar market.
The women, later identified as Rani Jha, aged 22, and Akaansha Desai, aged 29, were residents of different places — Rani hailed from Faridabad, while Akaansha was from Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
According to deputy commissioner of police (southwest district) Surender Choudhary, the incident occurred on March 19. A team from Sarojini Nagar police station, in plain clothes, was monitoring the market area. During their surveillance, they received a tip-off that two women were reportedly circulating counterfeit currency in the area, using the fake notes for shopping.
The officers then traced the women and apprehended them.
Raids conducted at Amazon & Flipkart warehouses; substandard goods seized
New Delhi, Mar 28: In a major crackdown on counterfeit and substandard products, authorities conducted raids at warehouses of leading e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart, seizing a substantial quantity of goods that failed to meet quality standards.
The raids were carried out following numerous consumer complaints regarding defective and low-quality products being sold through these online platforms. Officials from the Consumer Affairs Department, along with local enforcement agencies, inspected multiple warehouses across different cities to identify and seize the substandard items.
According to sources, the confiscated goods included electronics, cosmetics, and household items that were found to be non-compliant with established safety and quality regulations. Authorities have warned both companies to strengthen their quality control mechanisms to prevent the sale of such products.
Man held for manufacturing, selling fake products in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A man was arrested by the Hyderabad police on Wednesday, March 26, for manufacturing and selling fake products. The accused was identified as Vishesh Ahuja, 21, a native of Madhya Pradesh who operated a website duplicating products. Ahuja conspired with a Sushanth Singh and Pratik Kamat, to set up a company named India Private Limited.
On March 4, two persons identified as Chauhan Niral Babubha, 27, and Neel Nikulbhai, 27, natives of Gujarat, were arrested by the cybercrime unit of the Hyderabad police for the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit products in collaboration with India Pvt Ltd.
The accused colluded with Prasad and Alisha, who are currently absconding; they operated a website by the name Shop101 for the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit products. They used counterfeit branding and misleading advertisements to deceive customers online.
https://www.siasat.com/man-held-for-manufacturing-selling-fake-products-in-hyderabad-3200008/
Bangladeshi man held in Kerala for fake currency, 18-year illegal stay
A Bangladeshi national was arrested in Perumbavoor after counterfeit currency was seized from his possession, police said on Thursday. Investigations revealed that he had been living illegally in India for the past 18 years, they said.
Selim Mondal , a native of Alipur in Bangladesh, was initially arrested last week in connection with a theft on a train. During a joint raid by the Ernakulam Rural Police and Alappuzha Railway Police, officials recovered 17 counterfeit ₹500 notes from his rented house in Perumbavoor.
Although Mondal initially claimed he was from Murshidabad, West Bengal, he later admitted his real identity during an interrogation led by Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, police said.
Illegal cigarettes worth nearly €7m seized at Dublin Port
ILLEGAL cigarettes with an estimated value of more than €6.9m have been seized in Dublin. Revenue officers made the discovery at Dublin Port yesterday (March 26). with the assistance of the detector dog Milo.
The consignment of more than 7.6 million cigarettes, which were branded ‘Omega’, were seized when officers searched an unaccompanied container that had disembarked a ship that arrived from Antwerp.
The container had originated in the United Arab Emirates, a Revenue spokesperson confirmed.
“This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in the shadow economy,” they added.
https://www.irishpost.com/news/illegal-cigarettes-worth-nearly-e7m-seized-at-dublin-port-288074
Twitter Podcast with Mr. Prem Mahadevan, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime On The Cost of Crime: How Organized Crime and Illicit Trade Weaken Economies
Thursday, 27th March, 2025
FICCI CASCADE hosted an engaging Twitter Space session titled “The Cost of Crime: How Organized Crime and Illicit Trade Weaken Economies” on Thursday, 27th March. The session featured Mr. Prem Mahadevan, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr. Mahadevan offered profound insights into the alarming surge of organized criminal activities and their intricate ties to illicit trade. He emphasized how these nefarious networks pose a serious threat to economic resilience, national security, and the overall well-being of societies across the globe.
Mr. Prem Mahadevan provided an in-depth analysis of the sophisticated mechanisms employed by organized crime networks to exploit financial systems. He explained how these networks skilfully launder vast sums of illicit money, often using layers of complex financial transactions to obscure the origin of funds and evade detection by regulatory authorities. Shell companies, offshore accounts, and digital currencies are among the tools frequently used to move and clean dirty money across borders with relative anonymity.
Mr. Mahadevan opined that significant loss of tax revenue for governments is due to illicit trade. When goods are smuggled, counterfeited, or sold through underground channels, legitimate businesses suffer, and governments are deprived of the taxes and duties that would have been collected through legal trade. This not only weakens public finances but also distorts fair market competition and undermines the formal economy. He further highlighted how illicit trade often serves as a key funding source for terrorist organizations and insurgent groups. The proceeds from such illegal activities are frequently funnelled into operations that threaten national and international security. These financial links between criminal and terrorist networks create a dangerous ecosystem that is both resilient and adaptive.
Mr. Mahadevan also shed light on the pivotal role played by the GITOC in addressing the far-reaching economic impact of organized crime and illicit trade. As an international network of experts, GITOC works to analyze, expose, and disrupt criminal networks by supporting evidence-based policy responses, enhancing global collaboration, and strengthening institutional capacities. At the same time, raising consumer awareness about the hidden costs of purchasing counterfeit and smuggled goods, such as funding criminal enterprises, and weakening national economies can significantly reduce demand. By combining global intelligence, technological innovation, and informed consumer behaviour, the international community can take stronger, more coordinated action to disrupt illicit trade and weaken the foundations of organized crime networks.
The discussions not only illuminated the multifaceted impacts of organized crime and illicit trade but also underscored the urgency of adopting a comprehensive and collaborative response. Beyond the immediate economic losses and threats to national security, the session highlighted how these illicit activities erode public trust in institutions, undermine legal businesses, and fuel broader societal instability.
The virtual programme garnered enthusiastic participation from over 40,000 attendees worldwide.
Assam Rifles seizes contraband worth Rs 16.43 lakh in Mizoram
Champhai (Mizoram) [India], March 26 (ANI): Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Land Customs Station, Zokhawthar, recovered 491 foreign-origin e-cigarettes, four cases and 42 cartons of foreign-origin cigarettes, and 10 cases of Korean Soju in General Area Crossing Point III, Zokhawthar, Champhai district, Mizoram, on 24 Mar 2025, officials said on Wednesday.
According to a release, acting on specific intelligence on the presence of contraband, Assam Rifles, along with representatives from the Land Customs Station, launched an area domination patrol in Zokhawthar. Upon a thorough search of the suspected location, the joint team discovered a large cache of contraband near Crossing Point III.
As per the statement, Assam Rifles recovered contraband, valued at Rs16.43 lakh, which was handed over to the land Customs Station, Zokhawthar, for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Earlier today, Assam Rifles apprehended an individual and seized fake Indian currency worth over Rs 37 lakh in Assam’s Silchar district on March 25.
Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling
25th March, 2025
Venue: Auditorium, Delhi Police Academy, Jharoda Kalan
FICCI CASCADE organized a capacity building programme for the police officers of Delhi on “Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 25th March 2025 at the Delhi Police Academy, Jharoda Kalan. The primary objective of the training programme was to foster meaningful dialogue highlighting the urgent need for law enforcement officers to strengthen their capabilities in tackling various dimensions of illicit trade and working toward its eradication.
Speaking at the programme, Mr. Asif Mohammad Ali, IPS, Additional Commissioner of Police and Joint Director, Delhi Police Academy, highlighted that illicit activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. He stressed the need for police officers to recognize the prevalence of counterfeit and smuggled goods, which are widely available in the market. These unlawful practices have a profound impact on the social, mental, and overall well-being of citizens, added Mr. Ali.
Mr. Ali talked about the importance of empathy in policing, stating that law enforcement officers must put themselves in the victims position to genuinely understand their pain and suffering. He affirmed that it is the responsibility of police officers to identify every cognizable offense, uphold both moral and legal obligations, and take appropriate legal action against those who break the law. Emphasizing the vital role of law enforcement in preserving public safety, Mr. Ali added that officers must remain vigilant and proactive in preventing such crimes, thereby protecting societal well-being and maintaining law and order.
Mr. Yogesh Malhotra, Assistant Director, Delhi Police Academy stated that a skilled and empowered police force is the first line of defense against threats such as counterfeiting, smuggling, and other illicit activities. Training workshops play an essential role in strengthening their capabilities, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the well-being of society.
Sharing his perspectives on the socio-economic repercussions of counterfeiting and smuggling, Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi mentioned that counterfeiting and smuggling have several detrimental effects. They result in significant losses for legitimate businesses, erode consumer trust, and deprive the nation of crucial revenue, thereby hindering overall growth and development. Moreover, the associated health risks of counterfeit products are a grave concern, posing a direct threat to the well-being of the public.
Mr. Ashish Paul, Vice President- Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd. stated that counterfeit trade and smuggling drain India’s economic potential. Cutting illicit trade by even 50% could unlock significant economic growth, generate employment, and strengthen legitimate businesses—reinforcing India’s path toward self-reliance. He added that generating awareness among young enforcement officials and informed consumers is crucial. It will enhance enforcement mechanisms, support informed decision-making, and contribute meaningfully to the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Mr. Priyank Mangal, Regional Legal Manager, HUL accentuated that counterfeiting and smuggling are serious global threats affecting a broad spectrum of industries. These illicit activities not only undermine the integrity of legitimate businesses and deprive governments of critical revenue but also pose significant risks to public health and safety. Moreover, they are often linked to the financing of organized crime and terrorism.
Echoing similar concerns, Mr. Nikhil Shah, Senior Vice President – Legal & Regulatory Affairs, Wagh Bakri Tea Group emphasized that counterfeiting weakens economies and erodes trust in markets. To achieve India’s vision of a $5 trillion economy, the enforcement, industry and government must join hands collectively to eliminate illicit trade, strengthen enforcement, and promote genuine businesses. The fight against counterfeiting is not just a legal or economic battle but it is a mission to build a stronger, more resilient, and empowered India, he added.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 450 officers in Delhi equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge to address the adverse impacts of illicit trade.
Media Coverage reportDownload Pdf