Recently, three individuals have been arrested by the Osaka Prefectural Police on suspicion of selling counterfeit eyelash serum, violating laws designed to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical and medical products. They were detained on Wednesday for allegedly selling six fake units of Mizuhashi Hojudo Pharmaceutical’s Emaked eyelash serum. These counterfeit products were sold through an online store to a woman in Osaka in April, with the suspects reportedly receiving ¥24,000 for the transaction.
The police’s investigation suggests that the products were shipped from China, leading them to believe that a larger network may be behind the production and distribution of these counterfeit goods. Takai, before his arrest, told Jiji Press that he became involved in the scheme after Kawahara mentioned the opportunity to sell goods on the side. Kawahara, who is believed to have played a key role in recruiting individuals to set up the online store for selling the fake serums, declined to comment, saying, “There is no merit in talking.”
This case follows a similar incident from last month, where Osaka police arrested two men involved in selling counterfeit Shiseido liquid foundation. The fake products were reportedly shipped from Hong Kong, prompting authorities to investigate whether the two cases are linked.
