Counterfeit CD gang stopped in their tracks

OLDHAM’S Trading Standards team have helped to tackle a Russian-organised crime gang — the first case of its kind in the country.

Council officers joined Greater Manchester Police and representatives from the British Phonographic Industry to raid an address in Shaw following information given to the BPI.

A large quantity of suspected counterfeit music CDs, documentation and computers were seized and taken for examination. It is suspected the fake CDs are being sold through an online marketplace.

David Wood, director of copyright protection at the BPI, said: “Material has been seized and this matter will now be dealt with by the authorities.”

Councillor David Hibbert said: “High-quality counterfeit CDs can be difficult for the average shopper to spot. As a result, consumers are often tricked into thinking they are buying the genuine item.”