Crime Police Raid Uncovers Counterfeit Skincare Operation in Bangkok

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted a major raid, targeting three locations in the Nong Khang Phlu area of Bangkok, where they uncovered a large cache of counterfeit skincare products. The bust resulted in the seizure of more than 2,300 fake items, with an estimated value of nearly 2 million baht.

 

Acting on the orders of CIB Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, the raid was carried out by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphoom Jaruprach. The operation was supported by representatives from intellectual property rights holders.

 

Three premises were searched, two commercial buildings in Soi Phetkasem 81 and a nearby house on Majoen Road, all within the same district. Authorities arrested a 22-year-old man, identified only as Mr Supachai, who was found to be in possession of the counterfeit goods.

 

The confiscated items included sunscreen, facial cleansers and skincare creams bearing the trademarks of popular brands such as Biore, Cetaphil and Bio Oil. A total of 2,327 items, valued at approximately 1,972,084 baht, were seized.

 

Mr Supachai faces charges under The Trademark Act B.E. 2534 for possessing goods with forged or imitated registered trademarks with intent to sell.

 

The investigation was launched after brand representatives filed a complaint, alerting authorities to suspected online sales of counterfeit Biore products. Following over a year of surveillance, the CIB gathered sufficient evidence to request a warrant from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court to search the three locations simultaneously.

 

Initial inspections, carried out in cooperation with brand representatives, confirmed that the seized items were counterfeit, with packaging and contents imitating genuine products. Authorities believe the fakes originated from a manufacturing facility before being distributed to the storage and distribution sites uncovered in the raid.

 

Mr Supachai was identified as the owner and controller of all three locations. He confessed to all charges during preliminary questioning. Police are now working to trace the wider supply chain, including the origin of the counterfeit goods and the online platforms used to distribute them.

 

The CIB has issued a public warning about the dangers of using counterfeit skincare products, which may contain harmful or substandard ingredients. Potential health risks include allergic reactions, clogged pores, acne, and long-term skin inflammation.

 

Beyond health concerns, counterfeit goods undermine the economy, reduce legitimate tax revenue and negatively impact honest businesses and workers. Authorities stress that clamping down on the counterfeit trade is crucial to protecting consumers, upholding business standards, and preserving Thailand’s reputation in global commerce.

 

The public is urged to avoid counterfeit goods and report suspicious activity to help build a transparent and sustainable society.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-13