Anti-Counterfeit Authority defends raid on Shiquo Wa Hiistyle sneaker store

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has defended its enforcement action targeting Businesswoman and social media personality Shiquo Wa Hiistyle’s sneaker business, insisting the operation was conducted within the law and aimed at protecting consumers and intellectual property rights.

In its statement on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority said it does not interfere with legitimate business operations, stressing that its mandate is strictly focused on counterfeit goods.

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The authority defined counterfeit products as items that unlawfully imitate registered trademarks, logos, packaging, or designs without authorisation from the rightful owners.

It warned that such goods mislead consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and weaken trust in the marketplace.

“The Anti-Counterfeit Authority does not interfere with legitimate business operations. ACA’s enforcement activities are directed exclusively at unlawful trade in counterfeit goods,” the statement read.

Enforcement Procedures

The authority explained that enforcement actions are guided by the Anti-Counterfeit Act and may arise from intelligence reports, consumer complaints, rights holder reports, or routine market surveillance.

It added that during seizures, officers prepare inventories, inform traders, and allow them to provide documentation proving authenticity.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority also emphasised that traders have the right to challenge enforcement actions in court, noting that investigations should not be confused with final legal determinations.

“The affected party has the right to challenge any action before a court of competent jurisdiction,” it stated.

Shiquo Wa Hiistyle speaks out

The clarification comes after Shiquo Wa Hiistyle shared videos showing the aftermath of the raid at her store, where shelves were left empty following the removal of merchandise

In earlier remarks following the raid, Shiquo Wa Hiistyle described the incident as a painful but eye-opening experience, saying it left her business facing significant losses.

She admitted that all shoes in her shop were seized over the issue that they were counterfeit, and urged traders to avoid similar mistakes.

“Every piece of shoe was taken because they were counterfeit. There was a big problem. We have to start again, relearn, rebuild and do it again,” she said, adding that the incident had forced her to reconsider her entire business approach.

Shiquo also revealed that the financial impact was severe but said she remained committed to rebuilding and restructuring her operations.

She further encouraged entrepreneurs to shift towards legitimate sourcing and even to explore building their own brands rather than relying on imported labels.

“It’s a big loss for me. I would not want whatever has happened to me to happen to anybody else,” she said.

She added, “Let us start and learn to build our own things. We can also grow something from scratch and not depend on other people,” urging fellow entrepreneurs to move away from selling international replicas and instead embrace original branding.