Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday, 20 January 2026 02:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Global fashion and beauty retailer Victoria’s Secret & Co. has taken criminal enforcement action against several entities involved in the sale of counterfeit Victoria’s Secret-branded products in Sri Lanka, including body mists, perfumes, and body lotions.
Following complaints lodged by Victoria’s Secret through its local legal representatives, Sudath Perera Associates, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) carried out coordinated raid operations at several wholesale and retail outlets in Pettah and Dehiwala which were found to be dealing in counterfeit Victoria’s Secret products.
Based on applications submitted by the CCD, Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva issued search warrants against Yumnas, Nourish, and Nasreen Beauty Centre located in Pettah, while Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Hemali Halpandeniya issued search warrants against The Beauty Store and Savers in Dehiwala.
These warrants authorised raids at the identified locations and the seizure of counterfeit goods bearing the registered Victoria’s Secret trademark.
The raids were carried out simultaneously, enabling Police officers to seize a significant quantity of counterfeit Victoria’s Secret products from the premises of the aforementioned entities.
Following the completion of investigations, the CCD filed charge sheets against the infringing entities, all of whom subsequently pleaded guilty. Both the Colombo and Mount Lavinia Magistrates imposed fines on the accused and ordered the destruction of all seized counterfeit products.
In cases involving counterfeit cosmetic and fragrance items, the risks to consumer health and safety are particularly serious. Unlike genuine Victoria’s Secret products, which undergo strict quality control and safety testing, counterfeit body mists, perfumes, and lotions are typically produced in unregulated conditions using unknown ingredients. Such products may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other adverse health effects, posing a direct risk to unsuspecting consumers.
Furthermore, trade in counterfeit goods has adverse consequences for all stakeholders, including loss of tax revenue to the Government, reduced royalties and legitimate earnings, erosion of goodwill and brand reputation, and diminished incentives for innovation and investment. It is therefore essential that intellectual property laws are effectively enforced to protect the interests of brand owners as well as consumers.
The sale and possession of counterfeit goods constitute criminal offences under the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2006. Such activities cause serious harm not only to brand owners through financial loss and reputational damage, but also to consumers, who are often unaware that they are purchasing counterfeit products.
The successful enforcement action highlights the importance of continued cooperation between brand owners, law enforcement authorities, and legal representatives in protecting intellectual property rights, consumer safety, and the integrity of the marketplace in Sri Lanka.
