MUSCAT: Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has seized more than 13,000 counterfeit and adulterated vehicle spare parts during a raid in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate.

According to the authority, the operation was carried out by the Consumer Protection Department in South Al Batinah, represented by the Inspection and Market Monitoring Division, in coordination with the Public Prosecution.

The raid targeted a site located in a residential neighbourhood in Barka that was being used to store and sell counterfeit vehicle spare parts while falsely marketing them as genuine products through commercial outlets.

Authorities said the seized items included 13,149 counterfeit vehicle spare parts, comprising a range of vehicle filters and brake pads. The products were found in an environment that was not licensed or suitable for conducting such commercial activities.

The CPA stated that legal procedures were immediately initiated and the case was referred to the Public Prosecution. Following investigations, the competent court convicted two defendants on charges related to trading counterfeit and adulterated goods.

The court imposed a fine of RO2,000, sentenced the defendants to three months’ imprisonment, and ordered their permanent deportation from Oman after serving their sentences.

The ruling also included the confiscation and destruction of all seized items and the permanent closure of the company involved in the illegal activity.

The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that products sold in the market comply with safety and quality standards, urging consumers to report suspected violations through its official communication channels.