Six arrested when police raid 'fake cosmetics' warehouse in Thailand

Six suspects were arrested as police raided two warehouses storing fake cosmetics in Thailand.

The suspects were allegedly preparing and distributing counterfeit goods sold through online platforms when police stormed the distribution hubs in Samut Sakhon, near Bangkok, on October 9.

Police seized products bearing fake trademarks, which were being shipped to customers who had placed orders through popular online shopping apps, including Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.

The haul included shampoos, lotions, and skin care products labelled as popular brands.

Authorities said the suspects had used freebies, free shipping, and promotional campaigns, including the 9.9 and 10.10 sales events, to attract customers and boost sales.

Six suspects were detained included one Chinese national, three Burmese nationals and two stateless individuals.

Officials said the owners of the seized products face charges of selling counterfeit cosmetics, possessing goods bearing forged trademarks for sale and possessing goods imitating other people's trademarks for sale.

The foreign workers were also charged with working without permits and changing employers without notifying the authorities within 15 days.

Officers handed the seized evidence to an inquiry officer for further investigation, with police vowing to expand the probe and prosecute everyone involved.

Police Colonel Chaya Phanakit of the Immigration Bureau said: ‘Investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in preparing and distributing goods to customers who ordered through several well-known online platforms, including Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.

‘They used promotional strategies such as the 9.9 and 10.10 campaigns, as well as offering free shipping and bonus items, to boost sales and attract consumers.

‘We are examining the evidence and expanding the investigation in accordance with legal procedures to prosecute all those involved.'