A major counterfeit goods operation was shut down in Samut Prakan after a police raid uncovered more than 160,000 fake face masks and cosmetic products being sold online. The raid was led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), which traced the warehouse to a network distributing counterfeit items across several e-commerce platforms.
The investigation began when TPCS Co., Ltd., the company behind the well-known Welcare face mask brand, filed a complaint about fake versions of its products appearing online. Nitidon, a company representative, reported that the fraudulent goods were spreading across multiple major online marketplaces, raising concerns over both consumer safety and brand misuse.
To verify the report, investigators collaborated with the company and ordered products from four suspicious online shops believed to be selling counterfeits. Every item delivered turned out to be fake. Police noted that the packaging was almost identical to genuine products—down to the size, font, and overall box design—making detection extremely difficult for general consumers.
Tracking shipping information and seller details, officers were eventually led to a single-storey warehouse located in Sisa Chorakhe Noi, within the Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakan. Once sufficient evidence was gathered, police obtained a search warrant and moved in on the premises.
Inside, authorities found a large stockpile of counterfeit goods neatly arranged and ready for distribution. The seized items included:
- 156,510 fake Welcare face masks
- 5,240 counterfeit Welcare mask boxes
- 52 fake Biore lotions
- 45 fake Cetaphil cleansers
In total, officers confiscated 161,847 counterfeit products.
Police say the counterfeits were being sold online to unsuspecting buyers who believed they were purchasing genuine, certified goods. Authorities stressed that fake protective masks pose significant health risks, especially when they do not meet safety standards or filtration requirements.
Cosmetic counterfeits can also be dangerous, often containing unregulated or harmful substances. Because the items were being sold on well-known platforms, investigators are working closely with these marketplaces to remove remaining listings and track down other related sellers.
The CIB emphasized that the operation highlights the growing sophistication of counterfeit product networks in Thailand. By using near-perfect packaging and anonymous online storefronts, sellers are able to deceive consumers while hiding their identities behind masked details and third-party shipping services.
Officials said charges will be filed against those responsible once the investigation identifies the individuals behind the warehouse and associated online shops. Meanwhile, TPCS Co., Ltd. encouraged customers to buy from verified retailers and to report any suspicious listings.
This case serves as another reminder of the rising risks in online shopping and the importance of verifying product authenticity—especially when it concerns health-related or skincare items.
