Massive Fake Goods Haul at Swanley Bootfair
Trading Standards officers from Kent County Council hit a bootfair in Swanley hard on Sunday, 24 July. Teaming up with Kent Police and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, they swooped on vendors selling fake goods.
They seized a staggering 1,579 counterfeit items—including tobacco, clothes, watches, sunglasses, and furniture. If genuine, these goods would have been worth around £530,000.
Fake Products Damage Legitimate Businesses and Put Shoppers at Risk
Clive Phillips, KCC Trading Standards Operations Manager, warned: “The sale of counterfeit products undermines local legitimate businesses and will not be tolerated.”
He added, “Counterfeit products are of poor quality and do not meet stringent consumer safety standards.” The proceeds often feed organised crime gangs, fuelling further illegal activity.
Fight Against Fakes to Continue
Graham Mogg, Intelligence Coordinator at the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, blasted the trade: “Those who sell counterfeit goods aren’t just pulling a low-level con—they’re robbing public services of vital tax revenue and funding serious crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering.”
He praised the joint effort: “The ACG and the National Markets Group applaud Kent Trading Standards and Police. We’ll keep backing them to protect consumers and honest traders.”
Call Out Counterfeit Sellers
Residents urged to report fake goods in their areas. If you spot suspicious products, ring the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
