Delhi Police seizes fake OPPO, OnePlus, Realme products in major counterfeit crackdown: how to identify a genuine product

The Crime Branch carried out raids at multiple locations on Saturday, sealing two godowns in Karol Bagh’s Regharpura and Raghubir Pura areas along with a factory unit in Moti Nagar that was allegedly being used to manufacture packaging boxes for counterfeit electronics. According to police officials, the accused were packaging and selling fake mobile-related products under the branding of established smartphone companies. Investigators recovered counterfeit packaging material, branding assets, and several machines allegedly used in the operation.

Printing press and fake packaging network uncovered

Delhi Police said the investigation revealed a wider setup involving three godowns and a printing press tied to the counterfeit business. These facilities were allegedly being used to print labels, prepare retail-style packaging, brand fake products, and move them into the market before they reached buyers. Eight machines connected to the manufacturing and packaging process were seized during the raids. Police believe the operation was functioning on a fairly organised scale rather than as a small local duplication setup.

The case also reflects a growing problem across India’s electronics market. Counterfeit accessories are no longer limited to fake chargers sold on roadside stalls. In many cases, packaging now closely resembles original products, making it harder for buyers to tell the difference at first glance. That matters more today because this isn’t just a legal issue as a fake charging adapter or battery can also become a safety concern. Poor-quality power accessories have previously been linked to overheating, short circuits, and battery damage.

Brands such as OPPO, OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple increasingly face this problem because of their strong retail demand and wider visibility in both offline and online markets. Deep discounts on marketplace listings and grey-market channels often become the entry point for counterfeit sellers.

How to spot a fake phone

• Be cautious of unusually low prices: If a deal looks dramatically cheaper than official pricing, there is usually a reason behind it.
• Stick to authorised sellers: Official stores, verified marketplace listings, and established retailers remain safer than unknown third-party sellers.
• Inspect the packaging closely: Spelling mistakes, blurry logos, uneven print quality, or poor finishing are common warning signs.
• Verify IMEI and serial numbers: Most brands now offer authenticity checks through QR codes, IMEI verification, or serial-number lookup tools.
• Check warranty activation: Counterfeit devices and accessories often fail official warranty registration.
• Watch for unusual software behaviour: Fake phones may run unstable software, show strange UI elements, or miss expected features entirely.
• Report suspicious products: Buyers who receive counterfeit products should report them to the platform or retailer and leave detailed reviews to help warn others.