Traders in fake medicines could face death penalty

The death penalty for trading in counterfeit medication and hefty fines for buyers of fake branded goods could be on the cards if Dubai Police have their way.

The tougher punishments are part of new rules being worked out by Dubai Police, who warn that the prevalence of fake medication is a serious threat to public health.

Maj Gen Abdul Obaidli, whose Dubai Police unit is charged with tackling counterfeit goods, said that fake heart medication, for example, could be deadly.

“This person who traded in those [fake] medicines must be executed, because he caused deaths,” Gen Obaidli said. “The sale of counterfeit goods is a curse on health, environment and safety standards.”

Proceeds from the sale of counterfeit goods often sustain criminal gangs and could be used to fund terrorism.

“Trading of counterfeit goods is expected to cost the world’s economy a total of US$4.2 trillion (Dh15.42tn), risking the loss of 5.4 million jobs by 2020,” Gen Obaidli said. Fake medicine and knock-off designer gear were among the most frequently counterfeited items seized by Dubai Police.

“In the UAE, punishments dealing with counterfeit traders are considered the strictest among the Gulf Co-operation Council,” Gen Obaidli said.

“Offenders trading in fake products face time in jail and a hefty fine.

“Some of these fines might reach up to Dh1 million.”

At present, sellers of fake goods are fined Dh15,000 for the first offence and Dh30,000 for the second. Now there are plans to issue stricter punishments for dealers in counterfeit products – and authorities plan to take aim at buyers too.

“I support imposing rules to criminalise purchases of illegal fakes,” Gen Obaidli said.

Most countries target the counterfeiters rather than buyers. But in France, those who buy counterfeit goods can be fined up to €300,000 (Dh1.3 million).

Italy has also targeted and fined buyers during summer campaigns, but while the UK’s border agency confiscates fakes, the country decided against criminalising the purchase of fake goods after a review in 2010.

Authorities are also educating citizens about the dangers of fake products and the importance of intellectual property rights, including through new classes to be introduced for pupils across the emirate.

“The course might be taught next year, as the director of the Ministry of Education issued instructions that a course of intellectual property be included in schools’ curriculums as soon as possible,” the general said.

There has been ongoing cooperation between Dubai police and luxury brands.

In the first half of the year, Dubai Police confiscated 719,134 fake items with an estimated value of more than Dh70 million.

Most countries target only counterfeiters, but some are now also prosecuting residents and tourists who buy fake goods