In a recent crackdown on counterfeit goods, Chinese authorities have dismantled a major network producing and selling fake 3M masks. According to reports from the "Morning Morning Post," these counterfeit products were widely available through both online and physical stores, capitalizing on the popularity of the genuine 3M brand. The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Municipal Public Security Bureau and Fengxian County's Public Security Branch, resulting in the seizure of over 900,000 semi-finished mask units and a total value of approximately 46 million yuan.
The investigation began when a 3M product agent reported an influx of fake masks on Taobao. The Fengxian Economic Investigation Unit found more than 300 suspicious online stores selling counterfeit 3M masks, including the popular 8210 model. Some shops sold these masks for as low as 1.4 yuan, significantly below the official price of 8-9 yuan per unit. In some cases, fake and real masks were mixed together, making it nearly impossible for consumers to tell the difference.
Investigators conducted multiple rounds of screening, analyzing pricing, product descriptions, and customer reviews. They found that the listed features—such as anti-bird flu and PM2.5 protection—were misleading, and some users reported issues like poor fit and unpleasant odors. After testing 30 masks from seven selected online shops, all were confirmed to be counterfeit by 3M’s own verification process.
By cross-referencing data from 3M and tracking transaction records, authorities identified 18 key production and distribution sites across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. On May 20, a joint operation was launched, leading to the arrest of over 180 individuals and the seizure of a full production line, six machines, and more than 110 million yuan worth of fake masks.
According to 3M (China) Co., Ltd., the counterfeit masks failed to meet national safety standards, offering almost no protection. Some emitted strong plastic smells, violating regulations that require masks to be non-toxic, odorless, and hypoallergenic. These substandard products pose serious health risks to users.
This operation is one of the largest in a broader campaign aimed at combating fraud and illegal activities. Since the start of the initiative, public security agencies have arrested over 31,000 suspects, with a 9.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over 13,000 cases have been solved, marking a 25.9% rise, and detection rates have improved by 25.7% from January to April. The 3M mask crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts to protect consumers from dangerous counterfeit goods.
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