Qatar moves Interpol on trade offences
Well done to the inspector and Qatar
Qatar has become the first country to request an Interpol Purple Notice in connection with illicit trade after the seizure of a machine used to change expiry dates on food and drink.
An investigation was launched following a routine store check by the Consumer Protection Department when an inspector noticed the validity information printed on a range of drinks was not in the usual place on the bottle and in a different typeset to normal.
A search of the warehouse of the distributing company led to the discovery of 170,000 bottles of the out-of-date drink, and a sophisticated hot-stamp printer which was being used to re-print new expiry dates so the product could be offered for sale.
"Protecting consumer health and safety is a high priority for the Qatari authorities as part of our ongoing efforts to block illicit trade and counterfeiting, as Doha increasingly becomes a major hub for international trade," said Brigadier Khalifa Alnasser, Head of the Interpol National Central Bureau in Doha.
"The request for the notice is part of ongoing efforts by the Qatar Ministry of Interior to work with the international community to combat trafficking in illicit goods and counterfeiting, and to prevent this type of criminal activity by sharing the modus operandi with other Interpol members countries," added Brigadier Alnasser.
A 24-year-old Indian national has been arrested and faces charges under Qatar’s consumer protection laws in relation to commercial fraud and threats to food security.
"Qatar’s request for a Purple Notice in connection with this case underlines that Interpol’s tools and services can be used to assist law enforcement in combating all types of crime. This investigation also underlines the value of experienced officials on the ground, as without the vigilance of this inspector this crime may never have been uncovered," added Mr Ellis
Wondering how some persons would sacrifice the health of people's on the altar of greed and selfishness.
Twice i experienced it when a cake and bread i bought had mucus springing out while the expiring date was still valid.
Good job and this is an eye-opener because, there are many of such expired goods out there to the innocent consumer.
Good job.... really needs to pull out these kind of offenders.... and also I have seen that there are lot of shops selling the goods and machinery without guarantee or warranty. This also should wind up....
Wonder how many similar cases are occurring