Picture courtesy of CIB

 

Authorities have dismantled a major counterfeit food production network, seizing fake coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) during coordinated raids across multiple locations. Nine suspects, including eight Cambodian nationals and one Thai citizen, have been arrested in connection with the operation.

 

The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), carried out the raids at seven locations across Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Pathum Thani. The suspects were found manufacturing counterfeit products under well-known brand names such as Nescafé, Ajinomoto, and RosDee.

 

The arrested individuals were:

 

1. Mr. Surath Sat, 31, Cambodian

2. Mr. Pharub Bun, 26, Cambodian

3. Ms. Nyta Ren, 30, Cambodian

4. Ms. Dong San, 36, Cambodian

5. Mr. Yeang Uch, 38, Cambodian

6. Mr. Mon Hak, 25, Cambodian

7. Miss Sam Vet, 27, Cambodian

8. Miss Bun Channa, 28, Cambodian

9. Mr. Ekachai, 44, Thai

 

Authorities seized large quantities of counterfeit instant coffee, fake Ajinomoto MSG, and imitation RosDee seasoning powder. These products were being produced and distributed to markets across the country.

 

The police operation targeted key production and distribution sites, including:

 

• A residence in Lam Pho Soi 21, Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi – used for producing fake Ajinomoto and RosDee.

 

• A warehouse in Muen Sap Land Village, Kok Krabue, Mueang, Samut Sakhon – used for producing counterfeit coffee.

 

• Several retail shops and distribution centres in Maha Chai, Samut Sakhon, selling the counterfeit products.

 

The raid followed the arrest of a suspect in October 2024, who was charged with violating the Trademark Act of 1991 and fraud. Further investigations led authorities to the larger counterfeiting network.

 

Police believe the group had been operating for an extended period, manufacturing counterfeit products and distributing them nationwide. The seized items have been sent for further analysis, and the suspects face legal proceedings under Thailand’s intellectual property and consumer protection laws.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down additional members of the network and prevent further distribution of fake food products in the market.

 

-- 2025-02-22

 

When I saw the headline I thought that it was going to be about this horrible stuff