Korean Authorities Arrest Counterfeit Cosmetics Ring Linked to SK-II and Estée Lauder
South Korean trademark police have arrested four individuals accused of distributing over 87,000 counterfeit cosmetic products falsely marketed as genuine items from global brands such as SK-II, Kiehl’s, and Estée Lauder. The post Korean Authorities Arrest Counterfeit Cosmetics Ring Linked to SK-II and Estée Lauder appeared first on Global Cosmetics News.
THE WHAT? South Korean trademark police have arrested four individuals accused of distributing over 87,000 counterfeit cosmetic products falsely marketed as genuine items from global brands such as SK-II, Kiehl’s, and Estée Lauder.
THE DETAILS The Korean Intellectual Property Office reported that the suspects, led by a wholesaler identified as Mr. A, operated between April 2023 and March 2024, generating criminal profits of approximately KRW 2.1 billion (US$1.5 million) from counterfeit products valued at KRW 7.9 billion (US$5.7 million). The group allegedly supplied fakes to domestic distributors and attempted to distribute through home shopping partners.
THE WHY? The case underscores ongoing challenges in safeguarding brand integrity and consumer safety within the cosmetics sector, particularly as counterfeiters increasingly target premium skincare products with sophisticated replicas. Korean authorities plan to intensify enforcement efforts in response to the threat these goods pose to both public health and industry trust.
Source: ChosunBiz
The post Korean Authorities Arrest Counterfeit Cosmetics Ring Linked to SK-II and Estée Lauder appeared first on Global Cosmetics News.
