Chinese trader in Flames jersey syndicate fined

The Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court on Monday fined Chinese trader Haung Hong K120 000 on Flames jersey syndicate.

Hong, on January 8, pleaded guilty to making false presentation of a trade mark as registered contrary to Section 69(1) (d) of the Trademark Act.

Confirming the sentence, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive member James Mwenda said the fine has an option of a six-month jail term.

Mwenda, who described the fine as unsatisfactory, said Haung paid the fine.

Mwenda, however, said FAM is pleased that the culprit has been judged and hopes that the fine will deter others from indulging in the malpractice.

FAM, with the help of police, uncovered 967 Flames counterfeit jerseys in Lilongwe’s Devil Street worth K8.2 million kwacha.

Haung was selling the jerseys at K1 500 at wholesale and K3 000 each at retail.