Store Owner Arrested After Inspection Finds 5,600 Products Suspected of Being Counterfeit
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Perfumes and eyeglasses lacked proof of origin; the case was monitored by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Procon.
An inspection conducted on Wednesday afternoon (26) resulted in the seizure of 5,620 bottles of perfume and pairs of sunglasses suspected of being counterfeit at a store in downtown Uberaba. According to the Military Police, the person in charge of the establishment was arrested in the act and taken to the Civil Police Station on duty.
The incident began around 2:54 p.m., when the Military Police were called by a Public Prosecutor’s Office official who was participating in the inspection. Representatives from the Municipal Consumer Protection and Defense Program (Procon) also accompanied the inspection.
During the operation, products were found whose origin, according to the police report, was not substantiated by documentation. The employee also reported that some of the items lacked information on their composition in Portuguese and could pose risks to consumers.
In total, 2,844 pairs of prescription glasses, 89 pairs of sunglasses, and 2,687 bottles of perfume from various brands were inventoried. The products remained in the store under the supervision of an employee, who was designated as a trusted custodian. As evidence, three sealed packages were set aside and sent to the police station.
They contained 11 perfumes, 10 pairs of sunglasses, and 10 pairs of prescription glasses. According to the report, documents were also presented during the inspection that allegedly indicated differences between packaging considered original and that found at the establishment.
The team requested sales receipts or other documents capable of proving the products’ origin, but the supporting documents were not presented at that time. An inspection report was also prepared to be delivered to the police.
The store manager observed the proceedings in the presence of a lawyer. Since she is a foreign national, the police officers used a translation app to ensure that the instructions and procedures were understood.
The woman was arrested in the act and taken to the Civil Police Station on duty, along with the seized samples. The case was referred to the police for appropriate action.
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