Ethiopian Court Extends Detention of Suspect in Massive ‘Viva’ Tissue Counterfeit Ring

The Federal First Instance Court, Arada Division First Crime Remand Bench, has granted the Federal Police an additional 7 days of investigation time to fully expose a widespread counterfeit distribution network and trademark infringement ring that allegedly harmed public health, reduced government tax revenue, and disrupted the stability of the country’s free market.

Seyid Mohammednur, who was arrested under suspicion of committing a trademark infringement crime against the “Viva” (Viva Soft)  tissue product line, appeared in court today, June 11, 2026 , following the expiration of the previous 7-day investigation tracking period granted on June 3, 2026.

During the session, the Federal Police Crime Investigation Bureau presented its accomplished tasks to the court, explaining that more time is required to gather numerous remaining pieces of evidence and to track down unapprehended accomplices.

In its clarification to the court, the police recalled that the criminal act involves the unauthorized use of the “VIVa” Tissue trademark without the owner’s recognition or permission. This trademark falls under International Class 16 and was granted to “Pure Wood Pulp and Paper Packaging PLC” by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority under legal registration certificate number LTM/3249/2017.

The investigative team revealed that since 2024 the suspect had been illegally copying and mimicking the Viva Soft plastic packaging, filling it with substandard, counterfeit tissue products, and covertly distributing them on a large scale across Addis Ababa and various regional states through hidden representatives and accomplices.

Detailing the nature of the act based on documents previously reviewed by Capital, the police explained that this case goes far beyond routine property rights violations. It is a complex economic crime that directly contradicts the macroeconomic reforms the country is currently undertaking to stabilize the market, curb inflation, and ensure consumer benefit.

Furthermore, it was stated that besides distorting healthy market competition, the operation deprived the government of significant tax revenue that it should have collected.
Beyond the economic crisis, the police warned that this counterfeit tissue product poses a severe threat to consumer health.

While the original Viva product is manufactured under strict quality controls, tips and leads have confirmed that the seized counterfeit product was made from substandard waste materials and hazardous chemical additives that are dangerous to handle.

Although the police indicated that they had recorded the testimonies of four individuals over the past few days, they explained to the court that vital documentary and expert evidence from various institutions is still pending.

Accordingly, they are awaiting results after officially requesting information and professional opinions from relevant entities, including the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the Oromia Revenues Bureau, and the Oromia Trade Bureau.

Additionally, the police noted that time is required to inspect the large volume of counterfeit tissue products currently stored in regional warehouses.

Although investigators requested a 14-day extension to fully complete the investigation file, the court examined the arguments from both sides and granted a final 7-day investigation extension. Consequently, it has been understood that the court adjourned the case to June 18, to hear the final results of the investigation.