Counterfeits Raided in Nigeria

Originally published: https://www.independent.ng/

HP, Police Confiscate 67,000 Fake Products In Nigeria

Hewlett-Packard, an Information Technology (IT) company says it has confiscated 67,000 counterfeit print cartridges in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police.

The Director, Global Anti-Counterfeit Programme, HP, Glenn Jones disclosed in a statement on Monday in Lagos that the fake print cartridges were confiscated through HP’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Programme.

Jones said that over 12 outlets trading in counterfeit HP printers were identified and closed down.

He said that since working in conjunction with the police in October, numerous premises across Nigeria were raided in Abuja, Lagos, Edo State and Rivers States.

“The sites raided included outlet stores and hidden manufacturing sites for fakes. In total, the authorities confiscated 67,000 illicit print cartridges,’’ he said.

He said that counterfeiting was a crime and for users, such illegal imitations could cause a multitude of problems.

“Should your printer break because of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, you could also have issues with your manufacturer’s warranty becoming not applicable.

“In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s strict quality and reliability standards, based on a long history of inventing and testing.

“Original HP LaserJet and HP inkjet cartridges, unlike counterfeits, benefit from superior performance and consistent results,” he said.

He said that HP was proud of its continued work with local authorities especially the police force in Africa to combat the sale of counterfeit print supplies.

“We thank the Nigerian Police authorities for their cooperation and swift action in this successful seizure and their determination to apprehend and prosecute counterfeiters who break the law.

“Through our unwavering efforts and commitment to removing counterfeit products from the market, we continue to focus on the protection of our customers through our Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme,” Jones said.

He said that across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) over the last five years, approximately 12 million counterfeits and components had been seized by local authorities, supported by HP.

Jones said that HP had conducted over 4,500 audits and inspections – Channel Partner Protection Audits (CPPAs) and Consumer Disclosure Informations (CDIs) – of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.

He also said the company had actively educated its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake printing supplies.