A photo of a fake Samsung Electronics charger. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s customs office said on Friday it has unearthed 2.2 billion won (US$1.7 million) worth of forged smartphone accessories with Samsung and Apple logos.
The Korea Customs Service said 41 suspects were booked without detention following its special crackdown kicked off in December, which discovered 38 cases of violations. One suspect was also placed on the wanted list by investigative authorities.
Of the more than 80,000 items found, smartphone cases accounted for around half, followed by ear phones, chargers, and batteries.
The customs office said many of the products copied U.S. tech giant’s iPhone-related accessories, while others also plagiarized Samsung Electronics Co.’s products.
“The forged products may be disguised as genuine ones in online open markets, street vendors, and smartphone repair shops,” the customs office said, adding it will continue efforts to curb imports and sales of forged products in the country.’
(Yonhap)
