Fake printer cartridges worth Dh5m seized during warehouse raid in UAE

72,000 counterfeit LaserJet and inkjet cartridges confiscated at large complex in Ajman

Printer ink in cartridge form is often counterfeited for maximum profit. Getty Images

A crime ring assembling thousands of counterfeit printer cartridges was foiled after raids on a large warehouse complex in Ajman.

Economic officials worked alongside police and representatives from Hewlett Packard to confiscate 72,000 fake LaserJet and inkjet items destined for the UAE market.

Printer refills cost from about Dh80, so the haul would potentially have earned millions of dirhams for criminal gangs involved in the operation.

Officials did not release information on any arrests connected with the January raid.

“HP is proud of its continued partnership with UAE officials to protect our valued customers from unknowingly purchasing fraudulent products,” said Vishnu Taimni, HP’s regional managing director.

“The successful collaboration with local authorities to seize illicit goods from the UAE market is reflective of the effectiveness of HP’s anti-counterfeiting and fraud programme.

“It highlights our commitment to ensure customers receive the best experience – from quality to reliability – with HP Originals print supplies.”

The recent Ajman recovery followed several similar counterfeit operations in Egypt in November and December last year, when 8,500 illegal items with HP branding were intercepted.

Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa over the past five years, approximately 12 million counterfeit components were seized by authorities.

Meanwhile, HP conducted more than 4,500 audits and inspections of partners' stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.

In 2015 police seized two million fake cartridges from two warehouses in the Al Jurf industrial area and a villa in Al Rawda, Ajman, with an estimated value of Dh147m.

Imitation cartridges can cause problems for users, including impaired performance and reliability issues.

If a printer breaks because of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, the manufacturer’s warranty may be invalidated.