July 2025
IN GERMANY, AUTHORITIES THWARTED A MASSIVE COUNTERFEITING RING
In Berlin, German police delivered a major action against counterfeit imaging consumables in 2024 (illustrative picture).
According to information released by the Berlin Police and the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office, nearly 70 police officers raided a total of almost 20 properties in the German capital of Berlin and the surrounding area in 2024, as part of a major enforcement action against counterfeit printing supplies. The raided premises included numerous commercial facilities, a call centre hidden in a residential property, and several other locations. The action was part of an investigation into six suspects who were allegedly selling counterfeit imaging consumables online, infringing the trademarks of several ICCE members.
The authorities seized large quantities of counterfeit materials as well as equipment used in the counterfeiting operation. They also confiscated various documents, and a six‑figure sum in cash. According to German officials, the suspects had apparently been selling counterfeit imaging consumables since at least October 2022. They allegedly generated a turnover of around €3.5 million every three months, which amounts to approximately €14 million per year. The suspects faced investigations for fraud and trademark infringement.
ICCE Members Helped Enforce Against the Counterfeiting Syndicate
The raid in Germany was supported by several ICCE members, demonstrating the importance of industry representatives such as ICCE working closely with authorities and supporting their efforts to protect consumers from risky counterfeit cartridges. In addition, an international online marketplace had supported the action in Germany, showing the impact that dedicated online brand protection and collaboration with e-commerce players can have.
“At ICCE, we take pride in our ongoing support for customs, police, and other authorities. We equip officials with detailed intelligence and specialised training to combat the counterfeit print supplies trade effectively. Our collaborative efforts in enforcement activities play a crucial role in safeguarding consumers and markets from illegal and often substandard counterfeit imaging consumables.”
Among other things, ICCE members provided officials with targeted intelligence on the suspected counterfeiting ring in the run‑up to the enforcement action. In addition, following up on the multiple raid actions, ICCE members examined the suspect products and confirmed that they were indeed counterfeit.
Consumers Can Protect Themselves by Purchasing Carefully
The case in Germany shows how important it is that consumers are careful when choosing where to buy genuine imaging supplies. To help them, ICCE provides guidance and tips on how to avoid counterfeit cartridges and how to buy genuine brand‑name toner cartridges and ink cartridges safely. Importantly, ICCE recommends purchasing only from trusted sources, such as authorised resellers, and being wary of unusually low prices. In addition, ICCE recommends only accepting products in unopened and undamaged boxes.
ICCE Will Continue to Support Authorities and Online Markets Against Counterfeiting
For ICCE, this notable case also illustrates the importance of cooperation between online marketplaces, authorities, and our association and its member brands. Together, we can take effective action against counterfeiting of imaging consumables such as toner or ink cartridges, to protect markets and consumers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of our regular activities, we provide in‑depth information on counterfeiting for law enforcement as well as providing specific training opportunities, such as one recent customs training event in Türkiye.
Since its inception, ICCE has been working together with key stakeholders against counterfeiting, including law enforcement agencies, businesses, and online marketplaces. We will keep fighting counterfeiting, as we have done for more than 25 years.