Media Statement
Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS)
 

PRETORIA - Members of the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in Head Office Pretoria and Gauteng Provincial SCCI together with Vispol and Border police all based in Johannesburg as well as Brand Holders in Gauteng have successfully executed a search and seizure operation today, 17 March 2025 in Johannesburg Crown Mines warehouse and Dragon City mall.

On 27 February 2025, information was received by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Head Office Pretoria about warehouses alleged to be distributing counterfeit goods in Johannesburg, Crown Mines and Dragon City. A search and seizure warrant was applied for and granted on 12 March 2025. On 17 March 2025, a search and seizure was executed which resulted in confiscation of Hart Pots to the estimated value of more than R1 million. The items that were discovered by the police have been seized for further investigation.

During the search, 31 illegal immigrants were found in one of the warehouses and arrested. No arrest were made yet regarding the search and seizure matter. Criminal proceedings against the owners of the warehouses has been instituted respectively.

Ends

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Lt Colonel Christopher Singo
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