Police handle fake cases worth Dh29M
dubai — The anti-economic crimes department of Dubai Police handled 243 cases — involving commercial fraud and piracy — worth Dh28.89million, including cases involving 719,134 counterfeit products, in 2017.
Major General Abdul Qaddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidli, assistant director-general for quality and excellence at Dubai Police, said during the opening of a conference on combating counterfeit drugs organised by the Dahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Centre, that the social, economic, security and health risks associated with the proliferation of counterfeit goods are increasing. These also cause heavy losses annually, leading to the imposition of strict measures to reduce trade in these goods.
He added that the annual losses through counterfeiting and piracy are expected to reach $4.3 trillion globally, putting 5.4 million jobs at risk by 2022. He pointed out that the UAE realised the danger of this practice early and implemented a proactive policy to eradicate the phenomenon.
Maj Gen Al Obaidli pointed out that the measures taken by the State contributed to the seizure of 67.7 million counterfeit items by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, amounting to Dh1.16 billion in 2016.
He added that the UAE had established solid foundations for drafting legal frameworks to deter piracy and guarantee intellectual property. It had also established rules for cooperation between regulatory bodies, government bodies, the private sector, the community and trademark owners.
Colonel Salah Buasiba, director of the anti-economic crimes department, said that the number of cases related to harmful effects on public health and safety during the first half of this year reached 38, resulting in seizures valued at Dh70.74million.
amira@khaleejtimes.com
243 cases handled by anti-economic crimes department this year 719,134 counterfeit products involved in these 243 cases dh29M value of goods involved in these cases 67.7M counterfeit items seized by the DED in 2016 dh1.16b total value of 67.7M items