HP Anti-Counterfeit and fraud experts, in partnership with local African authorities have conducted two successful operations to stop the trade of counterfeit cartridges for HP printers across Uganda and Mozambique.
The team of experts, in September and October last year raised several premises in the Maputo (Mozambique) and Kampala (Uganda) areas, seizing some 33,000 illicit items.
Ugandan authorities on January this year also dismantled a criminal ring that had distributed counterfeit cartridges for HP printers for sale in several East African countries.
Officials raided a distribution warehouse in the Kampala area that served as a manufacturing site for counterfeits. The operation has until now resulted in the seizure of 77,000 illicit items, bringing the total number of contraband products seized through recent activity to over 110,000 items.
“HP is proud of our continued partnership with local authorities in bringing counterfeiters to justice in Africa, and we commend the swift action of the local officials,” said Tiago Drummond Borges, Vice-President Supplies Sales, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and HP.
“This string of successful seizures is a true testament to the effectiveness of our Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud programme. Our work helps in apprehending and prosecuting counterfeiters who break the law.”
Across 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 (CPPAs and CDIs) of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.
Through HP’s Anti-Counterfeiting Fraud (ACF) Programme, the company actively educates its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake accessories and supplies. It also cooperates closely with local and global law enforcement authorities to detect and dismantle illegal operations that produce counterfeit HP components.
