22 fake Apple stores were discovered in China

Recently Apple had investigated retail stores in the southwestern Chinese city of Kumming and found 22 fake Apple shops. Reuters reports that Apple China accused them of violation of its trademarks and ordered stores to stop using the company’s logo.

The investigation began after one local American reported on fake Apple Stores in his blog, adding that they all looked very convincing and even stores personnel believed they have been working for Apple.

Also it appears that those stores were offering actual Apple products and in many cases the products were smuggled into the country without paying taxes. Having known of that many customers started to demand refunds for their purchases or ask for original products.

Currently there are 4 Apple stores in China. Apple notified that it will build 25 stores more soon after this occasion. The company’s income in the Greater China region (which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan) reached $3.8 billion in this quarter.