The Manila Bulletin   8th October 2008

P5.2 M in fake Vans shoes seized

Some P5.2 million worth of counterfeited Vans rubber shoes were seized by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Pasay City.

Raided were the Wintelo Merchandising, with a sales outlet at Stall S23 Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center, F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City; and two stockrooms at Unit B-43, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City and 3rd Floor, LEY Warehouse, Russel Avenue, also in Pasay City.

Before the raid, the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division headed by Regional Director Elfren Meneses received information from the makers of Vans that the establishment were engaged in selling fake versions of their products.

The NBI then conducted a test buy and surveillance operations to verify the veracity of the information.

After confirming the tipoff, government agents applied for several warrants from the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC).

They then raided the said stall and stockrooms and seized 2,895 pairs of fake Vans rubber shoes.

-- Rizal S. Obanil

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