📈 Victoria’s Secret Cracks Down on Counterfeit Trade in Sri Lanka

Global beauty giant Victoria’s Secret & Co. has successfully concluded criminal enforcement actions against several Sri Lankan retailers for selling counterfeit products. Following coordinated raids, the offenders pleaded guilty to infringing on registered trademarks. • Enforcement Actions & Raids The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) executed simultaneous raids on wholesale and retail hubs in Pettah (Yumnas, Nourish, and Nasreen Beauty Centre) and Dehiwala (The Beauty Store and Savers). Large quantities of fake body mists, perfumes, and lotions were seized. • Legal Outcomes The Colombo and Mount Lavinia Magistrates imposed fines on all accused parties and ordered the immediate destruction of the seized goods. The action was taken under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003. • Consumer Safety Risks The brand emphasized that counterfeit cosmetics and fragrances bypass strict quality controls. These unregulated products often contain unknown ingredients that cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. • Economic Impact Intellectual Property (IP) violations result in significant losses in tax revenue for the Government and erode brand reputation. Effective enforcement is seen as vital to maintaining investment incentives in Sri Lanka’s retail and FMCG sectors.