Duplicate Products Worth Rs 16.36 Lakh Seized, Surat Police Bust Fake Shampoo Racket

Surat: Surat’s Amroli Police have uncovered a major fake product scam involving duplicate Head & Shoulders shampoo. One person has been arrested, and two key people involved in the business are currently missing. Police raided a warehouse at Hilton Business Hub on Chhaprabhatha Road, where counterfeit shampoo bottles worth Rs 16.36 lakh were found. The products were being sold using the name and logo of the well-known brand, even though the company had no dealership or connection to them.

The arrested individual, identified as Hitesh Dhirubhai Sheth, works as a clerk for the company. During questioning, he revealed that the operation was being run by Denish Virani and Jenil Gabani, who have allegedly been involved in this illegal trade for the past eight years. Police have now declared both of them as wanted.

They have been selling fake shampoo products online through e-commerce websites, attracting buyers by offering deals like “buy one, get one free.” This trick made customers prefer buying from them instead of regular medical stores.

Over the years, the duo is believed to have earned crores of rupees by selling fake products. Police have filed a case under the Copyright Act and Trademark Act. Efforts are on to catch the other two accused and find out more about the racket. Police have also advised people to be careful while buying branded products online and check for authenticity.