[M]illions of pounds worth of fake designer goods were seized after raids in North Manchester.
Officers executed warrants at homes, businesses and storage units in Strangeways today, Thursday 4 May 2017, and the early hours of Tuesday 3 May 2017.
It forms part of a joint operation with GMP’s Challenger team – dedicated to targeting organised crime – as well as partners from Trading Standards, Visas and Immigration and the designer brands to clamp down on the sale of counterfeit goods.
An estimated £8million worth of items were seized including clothes, sunglasses, jewellery and perfume.
As part of the searches, more than £270,000 in cash was also recovered.
A 44-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering as well as counterfeit and trademark offences.
Both have been released under investigation.
Detective Inspector Paul Walker, from GMP’s Challenger Manchester Team, said: “These raids are a great example of successful partnership working investigating the counterfeit world.
“The raids took place following intelligence from our partners and send out the clear message that fakes are illegal and will not be tolerated by the police.
“People often see selling knock-offs as a victimless crime but buying these goods helps to line the pockets of criminals which can often fund more sinister crimes.”
