Police raid exposes massive counterfeit cosmetics operation worth millions

The Thai authorities have cracked down on a colossal counterfeit cosmetics ring involving a Chinese investor and the illicit sale of beauty products worth millions.

The Commissioner of the Police Consumer Protection Division, Police Lieutenant General Witthaya Sriprasertphap, along with relevant agencies, orchestrated a press conference on Monday, January 29 that marked the unravelling of a major illegal cosmetics empire. A warehouse in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, was found to house a stash of counterfeit beauty products destined for online platforms.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Witthaya addressed the public, revealing that the investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by a legitimate brand owner. The imposter cosmetics not only sported a different texture but were also priced significantly lower in the market.

Following an intensive investigation, the police secured a search warrant from the Min Buri Criminal Court. The warehouse’s covert operation was laid bare, with a storekeeper, identified only as Chamaiphon, revealing the details.

The alleged mastermind behind the operation was a Chinese investor known only as Shanke, whose last name was withheld by the police. Shanke was reported to have imported popular Thai products from China, repackaging and distributing them via a network of digital stores.

Chamaiphon disclosed that Shanke, operating under the radar for two years, managed over nine digital storefronts, each a hub for ordering counterfeit and illegal cosmetics. A staggering 5,000 to 10,000 products were shipped daily to unsuspecting Thai customers, reported Pattaya News.

The seized counterfeit cosmetics, numbering over 14,000 properties valued at 3.6 million baht, lacked legitimate registration numbers and labels. Pol. Lt. Gen. Witthaya warned that the Thai Department of Medical Sciences would scrutinize the products for prohibited ingredients. If any illegal substances were found, additional legal actions would be taken.

In related news, a Chinese-funded warehouse was raided and counterfeit cosmetics and hair straightening products were seized. These fraudulent products, sold online, resulted in significant hair loss for many consumers. The operation revealed that the warehouse was selling an astonishing 3 million units per month.