Taiwan police seize 73,000 counterfeit Nintendo Switch merchandise

The Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Intellectual Property unit in Taiwan seized more than 73,000 unauthorized Nintendo Switch‑related items, including counterfeit Pokémon, Sanrio and NEW ERA products. The goods, valued at roughly NT$35 million, were confiscated in coordinated raids from August to November across Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals, among them a 37‑year‑old suspect with a Korean surname.

Authorities said the counterfeit items were sourced from mainland China, repackaged with forged trademarks and sold at about 80 % of genuine prices to mislead consumers. Under Taiwan’s trademark law, sellers who knowingly distribute infringing goods face up to one year in prison, detention, or fines of up to NT$50,000. Police urged the public to verify packaging, tags and laser labels when purchasing branded merchandise.