Volkswagen SA
A Gqeberha businessman has been fined R17 000 after pleading guilty to contravening the Counterfeit Goods and Trademark Acts.
The Hawks said that the 41-year-old Himesh Parbhoo, was convicted and fined on Tuesday by a Gqeberha Court.
Spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, said an investigation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Investigation Unit established that Parbhoo's business in Govan Mbeki Avenue, had been selling counterfeit VW accessories.
He says various items, valued at R90 000, were seized during the investigation, sparked by trademark attorneys Spoor and Fisher.
On 06 December 2021, an evidence-gathering transaction was performed where four Volkswagen alloy wheels were purchased.
Captain Ramovha says the purchased goods were analysed and found to be counterfeited.
This resulted in a search and seizure operation on 17 February 2022 where they confiscated wheels, centre cap hubs and over 80 VW badges and stickers.
Ramovha said Parbhoo entered into a plea agreement with the state, in terms of which the fine was imposed and paid.
His company, Greystone Trading was also reported to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission for further sanctioning and the prospect of a civil suit from Volkswagen.
