Coronavirus: Trader arrested for selling fake N-95 masks, goods worth Rs 29 lakh seized

Assistant Police Inspector, Mumbai crime branch (Unit III) Nitin Patil said they received a tip-off that Momin, who runs a textile business in Bhiwandi, had been selling low-quality masks to a godown in Lower Parel.

A 42-year-old was arrested in Mumbai on Wednesday (July 29) for selling low-quality face masks as N95 ones.
 

The Mumbai Crime Branch seized masks worth Rs 29 lakh from Safdar Momin. Assistant Police Inspector, Mumbai crime branch (Unit III) Nitin Patil said they received a tip-off that Momin, who runs a textile business in Bhiwandi, had been selling low-quality masks to a godown in Lower Parel.

The accused had claimed that the masks had been produced by Venus company – the company produces high-quality masks that are used by hospitals.
 

Based on the tip-off, police arrested Momin and seized 10,000 face masks, with logos of the Venus company, from a tempo.
 

“During interrogation, we have found a few more leads and there might be more arrests in the case soon. Providing low-quality masks in the name of N95 masks can put those in the medical sector at risk,” Patil said.

N95 masks are personal protective equipment that protects the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face.