HP, Local Authorities Shut Down International Counterfeit Operation in Lagos, Abuja

Disturbed by the continuous rise in counterfeiting of its products, perpetrated from outside of Nigeria, Hewlett Packard (HP) and local Nigerian authorities have collaborated to shut international counterfeiting operations in Lagos and Abuja.

As part of the raid, there were several large seizures in the Lagos and Abuja regions in shops, warehouses and at manufacturing sites. The Nigerian officials also seized 142,000 illegal items, which were primarily components for manufacturing counterfeit toner and ink cartridges.

Counterfeiting is a crime. For users, such illegal imitations can cause a multitude of problems that can cause performance and reliability issues. Should your printer break because of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, you could also have issues with your manufacturer’s warranty becoming not applicable, HP said in a statement.

In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s strict quality and reliability standards, based on a long history of inventing and testing. Original HP LaserJet and HP inkjet cartridges, unlike counterfeits, benefit from superior performance and consistent results.

Country Supplies Business Manager, Nigeria and Ghana at HP, Olatunji Itiola, said: “HP is thrilled to continue its success working with the Nigerian government and authorities, to close down these illegal counterfeit operations. We are proud that the collaboration is working to reduce counterfeiting operations in the region, and bring the associated criminals to justice.

“With our unwavering efforts and commitment to end these counterfeit operations with local officials, we continue to focus on the safety of our customers through our Anti - Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme.”

Across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), over the last five years, approximately 12 million counterfeits and components have been seized by local authorities, supported by HP.

HP has conducted over 4,500 audits and inspections of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.

Through HP’s Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme, the company actively educates its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake printing supplies. It also cooperates closely with local and global law enforcement authorities to detect and dismantle illegal operations that produce counterfeit HP printing components.