Fake Xiaomi phones, accessories seized in India

Counterfeit copies of phones and other gadgets sold by Chinese electronics company Xiaomi – worth around $1.7m at genuine prices – have been seized in India.

The seizure of around 2,000 items at shops in the popular Gaffar Market in New Delhi – one of Asia’s largest markets for electronic goods – netted Xiaomi phones as well as Mi Powerbanks, Neckband bluetooth earphones, Redmi Airdots earbuds, travel adaptors and USB cables.

It serves as a reminder that while China is a notorious source of fake electronics and other products, its top domestic producers lake Xiaomi and Huawei are also firmly in the sights of counterfeiters.

The raids at Gaffar Market followed a complaint filed with police and uncovered various products that have been sold in Xiaomi’s home market but haven’t yet been introduced into the Indian market.

Local news reports suggest that the four businesses targeted in the operation were well-established and had been in operation for years and were selling the fakes directly to consumers and wholesale to other suppliers.

“It is strictly advised to all customers to purchase authorized products from authorised stores of the brand and partner outlets and also to be cautious and aware about purchase decisions,” said Xiaomi in a statement.

According to a Times of India report, Indian police can only take action against counterfeit goods sellers if a complaint (first information report or FIR) is filed.

Counterfeit electronic goods and accessories can not only be a threat to purchasers health and safety - witness the cases of fake chargers and rechargeable batteries spontaneously catching fire - but can also put people at risk of having their personal data stolen.