Cops seize millions worth of counterfeit goods

More than $80 million worth of counterfeit items were seized by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) at a wholesale operated by a Chinese businessman in downtown Kingston last year.

In the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, the defendant, Jianguo Zhao, was arraigned on an indictment for breaching the Consumer Protection Act and five counts of breaching the Trademark Act. It was shared with the court that on December 7, 2022, FID members searched a wholesale located on Beckford Street, and found items sporting brand names on display and in a storeroom at the back of the premises.

It proved a challenge when Zhao was to plead as he did not understand the indictment when it was read in standard English, with legal jargon and terminology included. However, an attorney in court suggested to Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque to have the indictment read in the Jamaican Creole.

"Yes, that is true. They always understand the vernacular better. Plead him madam clerk. Tell him 'bout the brand dem," the senior jurist instructed.

"Yuh did a sell Polo shirt, Crocs shoes, Nike shoes, Puma shoes, Louis Vuitton bag inna yuh store on the seventh of December Mr Zhao?" the clerk of court asked. "Yes, a di fuss time," Zhao indicated, expressing his guilty plea.

Zhao was represented by attorney-at-law Tamika Harris, who confirmed his guilty plea and explained court procedures and the charges to him.

Judge Cole-Montaque did not impose the sentence on Tuesday. She adjourned the matter until April 28 when Zhao is to have monies available to pay the fines.

- T.T.