Police seized more than 8m worth of fake goods in latest … – Manchester Evening News

Fake designer clothes, sunglasses and perfume with an estimated value of 8m - and more than 270,000 in cash - were seized during raids across Strangeways businesses.

Police launched a crackdown on counterfeit goods at homes, firms and storage units in the early hours of Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4.

A haul of bogus items were discovered, including clothes, perfume, jewellery, sunglasses and other items.

Police believe the street value of the fake items would has an estimated street value of 8m.

As part of the searches more than 270,000 in cash was also recovered.

A 44-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, as well as counterfeit and trademark offences.

Both have been released on bail.

Greater Manchester Polices Challenger Team, Trading Standards officers and Visas and Immigration officers joined forces to clamp down on the sale of counterfeit goods in the area.

The raids were part of an ongoing enforcement operation in Strangeways, which has been dubbed Britains knock-off capital.

Det Insp Paul Walker, from GMPs Challenger Manchester Team, said: These raids are a great example of successful partnership working investigating the counterfeit world.

The raids took place following intelligence from our partners and send out the clear message that fakes are illegal and will not be tolerated by the police.

People often see selling knock-offs as a victimless crime but buying these goods helps to line the pockets of criminals which can often fund more sinister crimes.

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Police seized more than 8m worth of fake goods in latest ... - Manchester Evening News