Hungarian Authorities Arrest Motor Oil Counterfeiters

The Hungarian authorities have recently arrested several members of a criminal group that reportedly produced and sold counterfeit motor oil bearing many well-known trademarks.

The suspects allegedly imported low-cost motor oil from German and Austrian manufacturers and repacked and distributed part of the imported oil under fake brand names. The oil was repacked in a warehouse located in the Pest County, central Hungary, and sold to transport and railway companies, auto repair shops and through online stores.

On the day of the raid, the authorities discovered 220,000 litres of motor oil with an estimated value of approximately EUR 790,000. They also found empty canisters labelled with premium brand names.

The officials also seized cash, boats, vehicles, and blocked 13 bank accounts. The total estimated damage amounts to at least EUR 4,838,709.

The police questioned six suspects, five of which are held in pre-trial detention. The suspects face up to 20 years in prison for financial fraud and IPR infringement.

Prepared by: Tatjana Krivszka

For more information, please contact hungary@petosevic.com.

Source: National Board Against Counterfeiting website