Police uncover Chinese owned fake shoe factory in Lagos, nab five
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos has uncovered a factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, allegedly producing counterfeit footwear. Five individuals, including two Chinese nationals, have been detained in connection with the operation of Meibalun International Nigeria Ltd.
DSP Ovie Ewhubare, a spokesperson for the PSFU, announced the discovery in a statement released on Wednesday. The revelation followed an investigation into the company’s activities, during which investigators found that it falsely claimed to manufacture Nigerian-made footwear while actually producing and selling shoes that bore the names and trademarks of several international brands without proper authorization.
The implicated brands include Gucci, Nike, Timberland, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas, Ewhubare noted. Further inquiries by the unit’s Stock Capital Market Fraud Section indicated questionable financial transactions associated with the company’s operations. It was revealed that payments made by customers were allegedly redirected into private bank accounts instead of the company’s official corporate account.
Ewhubare explained that this discovery prompted investigators to trace the ownership and movement of funds linked to the alleged criminal activities. During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted that using imitated foreign brand names led to higher sales and greater patronage compared to promoting their products as Nigerian-made.
Commissioner of Police Eloho Okpoziakpo emphasized that the PSFU’s mandate to combat financial crimes encompasses a broad range of offenses that threaten the business environment, economic stability, and intellectual property rights. He assured the public that the ongoing investigation would adhere to professional standards and due process.
Ewhubare affirmed that all individuals found to be involved would face legal consequences.
