BARKA: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) in South Al Batinah Governorate has seized more than 13,000 counterfeit vehicle spare parts from a house in a residential neighbourhood in the Wilayat of Barka.
The raid was carried out by the CPA’s Department of Consumer Protection in Barka, represented by the Inspection and Market Control Section, in cooperation with the Public Prosecution. During the operation, inspectors found expatriate workers storing and selling counterfeit auto parts, including vehicle air filters and spark plugs bearing the name of an international trademark.
According to the authority, the case began after a consumer filed a report stating that a group of expatriate workers was selling fake and counterfeit vehicle spare parts from a residential house without authorisation. Investigations revealed that the suspects were conducting commercial activity without obtaining the required licences from the competent authorities.
The seized goods were reportedly being distributed to a number of commercial shops and sold as genuine products. The items were stored in an unsuitable environment that was not licensed or prepared for carrying out such commercial activity.
Upon questioning, the suspects admitted to the violations attributed to them. The seized products were confiscated and legal procedures were initiated.
The CPA said the violations fall under Article 7 of the Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits the circulation, advertisement, or sale of any counterfeit, adulterated, spoiled, or unauthorised goods.
The case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which convicted the two defendants of the misdemeanour of trading in counterfeit and adulterated goods. The court imposed a fine of RO2,000, sentenced the defendants to three months in prison, ordered their permanent deportation from the country after serving their sentence, and ruled that the seized goods be confiscated and destroyed.
The court also ordered the permanent closure of the company’s activity, publication of a summary of the judgment at the convicts’ expense, and payment of public lawsuit costs.
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