Massive Fake Goods Haul Worth £2.5 Million Seized in Southall
22 Shipping Containers Raided for Counterfeit Designer Gear
Trading Standards tipped off police about a massive stash of fake goods stored on Enterprise Way in Southall. On the morning of Thursday, 15 April, officers swooped to execute warrants.
The Met’s Territorial Support Group (TSG) used angle grinders to break into 22 enormous 20ft shipping containers. Inside, they believe they found over a tonne of counterfeit designer clothes and branded electronics.
Fake Belts, Bags, Ear Pods and Phones Nabbed
Officers are still digging through the huge haul. So far, they’ve seized knock-off designer belts, bags, ear pods, and mobile phones. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at a staggering £2.5 million.
No Arrests Yet But Investigation Ramps Up
The Met Police have teamed up with the Anti Counterfeit Group (ACG) and Trading Standards to trace the source of the fakes and the people behind this criminal racket. No arrests have been made so far.
Police Warn Criminal Links to Modern Slavery and Money Laundering
Sergeant Guy Rooney from Southall’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: “The sheer amount of imitation designer clothes and electronic goods seized this morning is astonishing. We know that criminality at this level is often linked to other crimes in the capital, including but not limited to, modern slavery and money laundering.
Partnership working and intelligence sharing with Trading Standards and ACG has enabled the MPS to lend assets from the service which have ultimately led to this morning’s impressive haul of knock-off items, and will no doubt put a serious dent in these rogue traders’ enterprise.”
