Police discover fake Scotch whisky crime ring

Police in New Delhi have made two arrests after uncovering a fake Scotch whisky crime ring selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in recycled Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Chivas Regal bottles.

Officers in New Delhi have uncovered a fake Scotch whisky crime ring

According to reports from the Times of India, authorities discovered the bottle caps were imported from China and the fake Scotch was created at a Delhi location.

Officers have so far confiscated more than 100 imported caps of alcohol, which also includes Ballantine’s, Vat 69 and Absolut vodka, as well as three cartons of Black Label.

Joint commissioner of police (crime), Ravindra Yadav, said: “Our investigation is at an initial stage.

“A team lead by additional CP Ashok Chand and ACP KPS Malhotra is trying to unearth the source of the racket.”

Police said the two men arrested are Maan Singh and Chandra Pal, who were presented before the court of chief metropolitan magistrate, Ashish Aggarwal.

According to the news site, a source alleged the gang was working with scrap dealers and retailers, who would collect used bottles of Scotch whisky and vodka from five-star hotels and keep them for further use.

The bottles would then be chemically cleaned to appear new, before being filling them with Indian made whisky or vodka but with added glucose and chemicals to create a similar taste to the original spirits.

The bootleg booze was then sold to retailers or bulk buyers at much cheaper costs, but the products were then being sold to consumers at the same price as the genuine products.

Excise officers and other authorities have been notified of the discovery in an effort to clampdown on similar offenders.

“Pernod Ricard proactively works with government authorities against counterfeiting,” said a spokesman for Chivas Brother. “As an industry leader committed to fighting counterfeiting, we hope to drive further anti-counterfeiting enforcement and IP protection by government authorities.

“Many of our brands enjoy the highest levels of trademark protection due to forward thinking and proactive protection measures. In addition we continually innovate to improve the traceability of our products and lessen the ability of criminals to copy them.

“However we have no further comment on the specifics of this case as investigations continue.”

The Spirits Business has contacted William Grant and Sons for comments and awaiting responses.