Taiwan police dismantle luxury watch counterfeit ring

Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau has dismantled a large-scale organized crime ring specializing in the sale and customization of counterfeit luxury watches. The group operated a sophisticated “sales, warehousing, and processing” model, utilizing a flagship store and workshop in Zhubei, Hsinchu County, alongside franchise locations in New Taipei City, Changhua County, and Kaohsiung City.

Authorities seized 86 counterfeit watches from high-end brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille. The investigation revealed that the group sourced large quantities of imitation watches from mainland China and operated dedicated studios to perform high-precision modifications, such as replacing dials, straps, and bezels to create highly realistic replicas.

Nine suspects, including a 31-year-old man surnamed Liu, were apprehended. The total market value of the infringed intellectual property is estimated to exceed NT$100 million. The case has been transferred to the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office for investigation regarding violations of the Trademark Act.