The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has defamed the owner of a wholesale dealer of gift items in Al-Ahsa for selling counterfeit products. The move followed a court ruling convicting the storeowner of commercial fraud. He was found guilty of possessing and offering for sale bags, gifts and accessories bearing forged trademarks in a clear attempt to mislead consumers. The criminal court in Dammam imposed a fine on the businessman and ordered his establishment closed, in addition to confiscation and destruction of all counterfeit products. It also asked the ministry to defame the man by publishing the court verdict in two local newspapers at his expense. — SG
