Chinese Firm Managers Charged With Dealing In Counterfeit Louis Vuitton Shoes

Two Chinese nationals have been charged in a Nairobi court with possession of counterfeit Louis Vuitton shoes worth over Sh 671 million.

Gong Hongmel, Zhu Yong and their company Hao Mei Shoe Trading Limited are accused of being in possession of counterfeit goods for purposes of trade to wit 3,950 shoes branded LV each valand at Sh 170,000 with a total value Sh 671,500,000, without the authority of Louis Vuitton Malletier, the owner of the “Louis Vuitton’ word mark, Trade Mark No. 416052.

The accused persons are facing several other charges of importing counterfeit goods in Kenya and possession of counterfeit goods in the course of trade.

It is alleged that the three committed the offense on 25th November 2023 at Zizu Godowns in Industrial Area within Nairobi County, in the Republic of Kenya.

Hongmel denied the charges before Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi.

However, a warrant of arrest was issued against Yong for failing to appear in court to answer to the charges. According to Hongmel, Yong travelled back to China.

Hongmel was released on a cash bail of Sh 350,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The case will be mentioned on 11th March 2024 for directions.