Police bust largest counterfeit clothing ring in history

Officers arrested the leader of the ring, Chen Po-wei, 29, in an underground storage room where the items were hidden. Counterfeit brands included Polo, Lacoste, and A&F.

According to investigators, the fake products were purchased in China and flown into the country.

Chen started the counterfeit clothing ring in 2003. His operation has been raided by police four times in the past and he has even been sentenced to prison. But because of the profitable business, once he was released from jail he immediately resumed operations, said police.

Investigators also said that Chen owned a total of eight stores in Taiwan that sold fake clothes and accessories. His average monthly earnings totalled an estimated NT$10 million.

The suspect had also hired over 40 employees to work at his stores. The combined total of the employees’ wages amounted to around NT$1.3 million per month; aside from standard benefit packages, they also enjoyed added benefits such as employee trips, holiday bonuses and year-end bonuses.

Police reminded the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit products. If anyone spots a counterfeit operation and is able to provide evidence, he or she is asked to call 0800-016597 with information. A reward will be given by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Intellectual Property Office to anyone who provides tips that lead to the arrest of such criminal operations.

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