Nearly 20 tonnes of honey with suspicious origins was seized in the capital’s Chbar Ampov district on Feb 12. - Economic crime police
PHNOM PENH: Authorities have seized 130 barrels of honey from a Phnom Penh warehouse on suspicion that its origin was falsified, potentially violating intellectual property rights.
The premises of Chan Honey Import Export, in Chbar Ampov district’s Tang Ov Kandal village in Nirouth commune, were raided on Feb 12, with almost 20 tonnes of honey confiscated by the authorities.
The operation was conducted by a specialised squad from the Economic Crime Police Department’s Intellectual Property Crime Office, in collaboration with the Phnom Penh Muinicipal Court deputy prosecutor and officials from the Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF).
In a Feb 14 social media post, the economic crime department explained that the honey was confiscated due to suspicions that the company owner had been importing and stockpiling honey with falsified origins.
“Due to concerns that the origin of the honey may be misrepresented, the deputy prosecutor ordered the temporary confiscation of the product, which has been sealed and stored at the company’s premises until further investigations are completed,” it said.
“Additionally, the Vietnamese owner of the company, along with other relevant individuals, has been brought in for questioning, as part of legal proceedings,” it added.
Although no confirmation has been received regarding whether or not the company violated intellectual property rights, authorities have urged the public to comply with the law to uphold Cambodia’s reputation and maintain investor confidence.
The department also encouraged citizens to report any suspected cases of counterfeit goods being stored or distributed.
According to the Ministry of Commerce’s business registration database, Chan Honey Import Export was registered with the ministry in late 2021 for the production of livestock, beekeeping, and honey and beeswax production. However, the company has since altered its business objectives multiple times. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
