Six held in blitz on counterfeit goods

SIX people were arrested in raids across Failsworth, Manchester and Salford, in a pre-Christmas crackdown on counterfeit trading.

The counterfeit goods trade costs legal traders millions of pounds every year, and Friday’s operation — part of Project Gulf — smashed a huge fake DVD and CD ring.

Launched 19 months ago, police and the serious and organised crime agency are working with a wide range of other agencies to investigate individuals who are believed to be involved in organised crime.

Friday’s operation aimed to deal a blow to counterfeit traders in the run-up to Christmas, and police pounced on people suspected of dealing in fake CDs, DVDs, computer games, clothes, toiletries and jewellery.

The suspects were tracked down from intelligence gathered by police, trading standards officers, the Department for Work and Pensions, BPI — the British recorded music industry, and FACT — the Federation Against Copyright, which found counterfeit goods on sale at Salford market, Greymare Lane market and Conran Street market, Manchester.

Det Insp Caroline Walker, from Salford CID, said: “The operation was a success and we have struck a major blow to the heart of the counterfeit trade. It sends out a clear message to those dealing or thinking of dealing in fake items that illegal trading will simply not be tolerated in Salford.

“The vast majority of market traders are honest and work very hard to make a living, however, there is a small minority who make their money illegally by selling counterfeit goods. It is not only important we target these offenders and arrest them but also ensure the reputation of those who ply their trade at the locations stay intact.

She added: “The counterfeit goods market is not a victimless crime, and such offences threaten the livelihood of any law abiding citizen.

“Customers who focus on getting a bargain, especially before Christmas and during the current economic climate, may not realise that they are helping fund the lifestyles of criminals.

“The authorities can tackle this scourge alone and we need people to think before they buy.”

Homes in Failsworth, Middleton, Blackley, Dukinfield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Swinton were raided, and five men, aged 33-59 and a 44-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of breaking trademark laws.

They were bailed until December 20, pending further police inquiries.