HP partners Nigeria to target fraudulent manufacturers

Computer accessory makers, Hewlett Packard (HP) has been working closely with local officials in Nigeria to identify and close down over 12 criminal operations trading in counterfeit cartridges for HP printers. While working in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force in October 2018, the police raided numerous premises across Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Edo State and Rivers State. The sites raided included outlet stores and hidden manufacturing sites for fakes. In total, the authorities confiscated 67,000 illicit print cartridges.

Counterfeiting is a crime. For users such illegal imitations can cause a multitude of problems that can cause performance and reliability issues. Should your printer break because of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, you could also have issues with your manufacturer’s warranty becoming not applicable.

In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s strict quality and reliability standards, based on a long history of inventing and testing. Original HP LaserJet and HP inkjet cartridges, unlike counterfeits, benefit from superior performance and consistent results.

While commenting on the development, Director, Global Anti-Counterfeit Programme, HP, Glenn Jones, said, “HP is proud of its continued work with local authorities, especially the police force in Africa to combat the sale of counterfeit print supplies. We thank the Nigeria Police authorities for their cooperation and swift action in this successful seizure and their determination to apprehend and prosecute counterfeiters who break the law.

“Through our unwavering efforts and commitment to removing counterfeit products from the market, we continue to focus on the protection of our customers through our Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme.”

Jones disclosed that across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) over the last five years, approximately 12 million counterfeits and components have been seized by local authorities, supported by HP. HP has conducted over 4,500 audits and inspections (CPPAs and CDIs) of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.

Through HP’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Programme, the company actively educates its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake printing supplies. It also cooperates closely with local and global law enforcement authorities to detect and dismantle illegal operations that produce counterfeit HP printing components.