Chinese Businessman in Madrid Faces Prison for Counterfeit Goods
A Chinese businessman in Madrid is facing a two-year prison sentence and over 310,000 euros in fines for trafficking counterfeit goods. The case originated from a tip by Clipper regarding fake lighters, leading the Civil Guard to raid a warehouse in the Cobo Calleja industrial estate in September 2022. Authorities seized approximately 300,000 items, including 230,000 booklets of cigarette paper, 55,000 Clipper lighters, Pokémon cards, Panasonic batteries, and branded merchandise from Nike and Adidas. Prosecutors argue the premises functioned as both a retail store and a manufacturing workshop. However, the defense contends the accused had not yet taken possession of the rented space, noting his company was established on the same day as the raid. During recent proceedings at the Provincial Court of Madrid, language barriers complicated testimony, with the accused referred to as Mr. 'Xiaomi' due to name similarities. The trial highlights ongoing efforts to combat intellectual property theft and counterfeit distribution networks within Spain's commercial hubs.
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Chinese Businessman in Madrid Faces Prison for Counterfeit Goods
A Chinese businessman in Madrid is facing a two-year prison sentence and over 310,000 euros in fines for trafficking counterfeit goods. The case originated from a tip by Clipper regarding fake lighters, leading the Civil Guard to raid a warehouse in the Cobo Calleja industrial estate in September 2022. Authorities seized approximately 300,000 items, including 230,000 booklets of cigarette paper, 55,000 Clipper lighters, Pokémon cards, Panasonic batteries, and branded merchandise from Nike and Adidas. Prosecutors argue the premises functioned as both a retail store and a manufacturing workshop. However, the defense contends the accused had not yet taken possession of the rented space, noting his company was established on the same day as the raid. During recent proceedings at the Provincial Court of Madrid, language barriers complicated testimony, with the accused referred to as Mr. 'Xiaomi' due to name similarities. The trial highlights ongoing efforts to combat intellectual property theft and counterfeit distribution networks within Spain's commercial hubs.
Portada // elmundo