Kent Trading Standards Crack Down on Massive Bootfair Fake Goods Frenzy
Kent County Council’s Trading Standards officers launched a major raid on a Swanley bootfair last Sunday (24 July), targeting a flood of counterfeit goods. Joined by Kent Police and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, the crackdown saw a whopping 1,579 fake items seized.
The haul included tobacco, clothing, watches, sunglasses, and even furniture. If genuine, these goods would be worth around £530,000.
Fake Goods Funding Crime and Harming Locals
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager for Kent Trading Standards, slammed the trade: “The sale of counterfeit products undermines local legitimate businesses and will not be tolerated.”
He warned that fakes are often poor quality, fail consumer safety checks, and are tied to criminal gangs. “It is well documented that proceeds from counterfeit sales help fund organised crime.”
Anti-Counterfeit Experts Back the Raid
Graham Mogg, Intelligence Coordinator at the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), took aim at bootleg sellers: “This isn’t just a low-level crime. Counterfeit traders are ripping off legal businesses, endangering consumers, and dodging tax.”
Mogg added that fake trade fuels bigger crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
“We applaud Kent Trading Standards and Police for their hard-hitting action and will keep backing efforts to protect shoppers and honest traders,” he said.
Spot Fakes? Report Them Now
Residents urged to help stomp out fakes by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if they spot counterfeit goods selling nearby.
