A LIQUI MOLY complaint exposed a hidden Bangkok counterfeit hub importing fake goods from China. Police seized 32,477 products, including engine oil and skincare items, as they hunt others linked to the nationwide online distribution network.
Police have uncovered what investigators believe was a sophisticated China-linked counterfeit distribution hub after raiding a hidden Bangkok warehouse packed with more than 32,000 fake branded products, including engine oil, skincare items and consumer goods destined for online buyers across Thailand. The operation, launched after a trademark complaint from LIQUI MOLY, exposed an alleged network importing counterfeit products directly from China, repackaging them with Thai workers and selling them at cut-price rates. Officers have already identified a Chinese suspect, widened their investigation into the financial and distribution network, and warned that some of the counterfeit products could damage vehicle engines or pose serious long-term health risks.
Police have dismantled a counterfeit goods operation after raiding a concealed warehouse in Bangkok’s Min Buri district and seizing 32,477 fake branded products.
Investigators said the goods were imported directly from China before being repackaged in Thailand and sold online at heavily discounted prices.
The raid followed an investigation by the Economic Crime Suppression Division after counterfeit products appeared across online marketplaces at unusually low prices. In response, officers traced the sales network to an unmarked warehouse in Soi Bueng Khwang 12/2, Saen Saep subdistrict, Min Buri district.
The July 28 operation was ordered by Crime Suppression Division commander Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai and Economic Crime Suppression Division commander Pol Maj Gen Tatsaphum Charupraj. Officers from Division 1 of the Economic Crime Suppression Division executed the search warrant. They were joined by officials from the Department of Intellectual Property and representatives authorised by trademark owners.
Hidden Min Buri warehouse yielded over 32,000 fake branded products packed for online sales nationwide
Investigators found the warehouse hidden deep inside a narrow alley. The front entrance remained tightly closed throughout normal operations. Inside, however, Thai employees were packing products into shipping cartons.
The premises contained complete packing equipment ready to process customer orders. Officers then searched the warehouse and uncovered thousands of counterfeit products bearing imitation trademarks.
The largest seizure comprised more than 22,000 counterfeit Phraphai Aroma and INZEN vehicle air fresheners. Separately, officers recovered more than 7,000 counterfeit LANOS LANOS moisturisers.
They also found 1,260 units of counterfeit LLMITO matcha powder. Notably, investigators seized more than 1,600 counterfeit engine oil containers carrying the trademarks of LIQUI MOLY, BENZ, SHELL, CASTROL and NISSAN. They also confiscated a quantity of counterfeit Nutrilite protein powder. Every item was seized for further investigation.
LIQUI MOLY complaint led police to Chinese-run warehouse importing fake goods from China for resale
The investigation began after representatives of LIQUI MOLY filed a complaint with Division 1 investigators. The company reported widespread online sales of counterfeit engine oil bearing its registered trademark.
The products were advertised well below market prices. As a result, investigators accelerated their inquiry. They examined online sales channels before identifying the Min Buri warehouse.
During questioning, warehouse employees identified the tenant as a Chinese national named Zhu Fan. They said he rented the warehouse about three months ago. According to the workers, Zhu Fan hired Thai employees for daily wages of 500 baht. Their duties included packing products and preparing customer shipments. The workers also told investigators every product had been ordered directly from China.
Police said the operation concentrated mainly on counterfeit engine oil. At the same time, it imported consumer goods that were popular on social media.
Investigators were told the products were deliberately priced below market levels to generate rapid sales. Consequently, officers believe the warehouse operated as a packing and distribution hub serving online customers.
Police widen investigation as financial links and wider counterfeit distribution network are looked at
Police are now examining documents and other evidence seized during the operation. In parallel, investigators are tracing financial links and the wider distribution network connected to the warehouse. They are also working to identify additional people involved in the operation.
Initially, investigators will charge Zhu Fan with possessing goods for sale bearing counterfeit trademarks registered in Thailand. Meanwhile, officers said further charges remain possible as the investigation develops.
Pol Maj Gen Tatsaphum urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing unusually cheap products online.
Commander warns fake engine oil and skincare products can pose serious safety and health risks
He warned counterfeit engine oil often fails to meet industry standards. Therefore, it can seriously damage vehicle engines. Engine failure can also lead to road accidents, causing deaths and property damage.
On another front, the commander warned consumers about counterfeit skincare products and other household goods produced by substandard manufacturers. He said such products may contain contaminants and inferior ingredients. Those products may also pose long-term health risks.
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The seizure marks another significant operation by the Economic Crime Suppression Division against counterfeit imports entering Thailand.
More importantly, investigators believe the warehouse played a central role in repackaging imported goods before nationwide distribution. Officers are continuing to gather evidence as they work to establish the full scale of the counterfeit supply chain.
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