KUWAIT CITY, Dec 3: In a series of surprise inspections, commercial inspectors from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry seized large quantities of counterfeit goods from several shops and shut down a warehouse dealing in used tires, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection and regulate local markets.

Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department, stated in a press release that these campaigns fall within the Ministry’s continuous strategy to combat commercial fraud and safeguard consumer rights. He noted that inspection teams from the Hawally branch have intensified their field operations, leading to two major seizures that resulted in immediate closures and legal action against the violators.

According to Al-Ansari, the first case involved the closure of a shop in the Hawally area found to be selling counterfeit bags and shoes bearing internationally protected trademarks. Inspectors seized an estimated 3,000 items, including bags, shoes, clothing, and various accessories. The shop was shut down on the spot, and a formal report was filed during an inspection campaign led by Al-Ansari with support from inspectors at the Jabriya evening center.

The second case occurred at a warehouse in the Salmiya area that was illegally selling used tires. Inspectors from the Jabriya Center uncovered the violations during their field visit, prompting the immediate closure of the warehouse, the filing of a report, and the referral of the case to the Commercial Prosecution.

Al-Ansari further revealed that during a routine visit to a clothing and footwear store, inspectors discovered a large selection of counterfeit items—including clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories—being sold in violation of trademark laws. This discovery also led to the closure of the store and the documentation of the offense.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s firm commitment to combating commercial fraud, protecting consumers, and ensuring that all commercial establishments adhere to trademark and market-regulation laws.