Massive CD Counterfeit Bust Hits UK Music Scene
On June 21, 2022, police swooped on three locations—two commercial properties on Indigo Road and Eastham Village Road, plus a home on Sutherland Drive—seizing a staggering 32,254 fake CDs.
The counterfeit discs were being flogged on Amazon, flagged by the retail giant’s global Counterfeit Crimes Unit and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) before passing intel to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) and North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (NWPIPCU).
Counterfeit CDs Fuel Crime, Hurt Artists
“Counterfeit CDs hit legitimate businesses hard and slashes earnings for artists and the music industry,” said PIPCU Investigator Andy Cope.
“These fake goods often bankroll serious crimes like modern slavery and drug trafficking. This crackdown sends a clear message—selling fakes isn’t on. Big thanks to Amazon, BPI, and NWPIPCU for their teamwork.”
Amazon Pledges War on Fakes
Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit Director Kebharu Smith vowed: “We’ll keep investing and innovating to outsmart counterfeiters and keep customers safe.”
“Our mission is to stop fakes permanently, not just banish them from Amazon. Working with law enforcement and trade bodies lets us hold crooks accountable.”
BPI & Intellectual Property Office Back the Bust
Paola Monaldi, Head of Content Protection at BPI, praised PIPCU’s efforts:
“Authentic CDs and vinyl remain hugely popular, making up over 20% of music industry revenue from sales and streams. But counterfeits rob artists of income, sending money straight to criminals.”
“We’ll stay hard at work protecting UK consumers and creators, closely partnering with law enforcement and marketplaces like Amazon.”
Matthew Cope, Deputy Director of IP Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, added:
“Fake goods cause social and environmental damage, hurt businesses, undermine trust, and empower criminals. We support all operations disrupting the sale of these illicit products.”
One man was arrested during the raids but has since been released under investigation.
