CID strengthens partnership with Apple, Unilever to combat counterfeiting

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has bolstered its collaboration with prominent intellectual property rights holders, including Apple Inc. and Unilever, to bolster Ghana's anti-counterfeiting initiatives. The partnership was formalized during a meeting held at CID headquarters in Accra, where the focus was on enhancing the department's forensic investigation and intelligence-sharing abilities to combat intellectual property-related offenses.

CID Director Lydia Donkor revealed that the meeting brought together representatives from Apple, Unilever, and J.O Global to discuss strategies for bolstering collaboration against counterfeiting and related criminal activities.

Donkor emphasized that intellectual property crimes encompass more than just trademark infringements and the sale of counterfeit goods. She described these crimes as part of transnational organized crime, involving sophisticated networks that engage in fraud, illegal trade, and smuggling. These criminal networks often operate both domestically and internationally, posing a significant threat to public safety.

Donkor highlighted the dangers posed by counterfeit products, particularly medicines, electrical appliances, and cosmetics, which can endanger lives, cause fires and injuries, or expose consumers to harmful substances.

The CID director reiterated the department's commitment to deepening its partnership with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, rights holders, and international allies to dismantle illegal distribution networks. She affirmed that the CID would continue to fortify Ghana's response to intellectual property crimes through enhanced investigations and strategic alliances.