Four individuals have been referred to prosecutors for allegedly manufacturing and distributing counterfeit products of the international clothing brand Polo.
The Incheon Customs office under the Korea Customs Service announced Wednesday that it sent four suspects, including a man in his 60s identified as Mr. A, to prosecutors in January on charges of violating trademark law.
The four are accused of producing and storing approximately 50,000 counterfeit Polo-design garments worth an estimated 11 billion won ($7.7 million) between October 2024 and July of last year.
The group imported clothing manufactured in China and Vietnam for approximately 6,000 won ($4.20) per item to processing factories in Pocheon and Namyangju in Gyeonggi Province. They then used embroidery machines to attach counterfeit trademark logos and product labels to the garments. Authentic Polo items retail for approximately 170,000 won ($119) each, according to customs officials.
Customs authorities launched an investigation last year after receiving intelligence that large quantities of counterfeit Polo products were being distributed. After months of analyzing transaction records and conducting surveillance operations, investigators raided clothing processing factories and storage warehouses in the Pocheon and Namyangju areas, seizing approximately 50,000 counterfeit items. The Polo trademark holder presented a plaque of appreciation to Incheon Customs for its efforts.
"At this point, it appears that no counterfeit clothing has entered the market," an Incheon Customs official said. "We will continue to strengthen our investigations into counterfeit product organizations operating from overseas manufacturing through domestic distribution networks."
Trademark infringement crimes, including distribution of counterfeit goods and attachment of fake labels, have exceeded 10,000 cases over the past five years. Under the Trademark Act, violators face up to seven years in prison or fines of up to 100 million won ($70,000).