£5m in fake goods seized

A CRACKDOWN on counterfeit goods, illegal money lending and other organised crime has seen £5million worth of fake goods seized and 12 arrests made.

Programme Challenger saw a week of action with police joining forces with local authorities, Trading Standards, the Illegal Money Lending Team, HMRC, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Environmental Health to dismantle and destroy organised crime across Greater Manchester.

Detective Inspector Chris Mossop said: “Make no mistake, the sale of counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime — the peddling of these fakes can ruin communities, putting legitimate local companies out of pocket, and out of business.

“If a person buys a fake item they are indirectly lining the pockets of criminal gangs, who use the cash to fund further illegal and violent activity, or purchase of guns and drugs.

“It isn’t just counterfeit goods we have pursued — the week has been a great success in tackling loan sharks and organised crime right across the board.”