Fake designer goods seized in Cornwall in Christmas crackdown
Trading Standards uncovered a 'substantial' amount of clothing, watches and footwear advertised for sale on social media
A Christmas crackdown has seen fake designer goods seized in Cornwall.
An online seller in the Rame Penryn area who was advertising on social media has been caught by Trading Standards.
Officers visited the property early on Thursday morning (16th December) and found a substantial quantity of mixed brands of clothing, watches and footwear.
Gary Webster, Cornwall Trading Standards Team Manager said, “We are keen to crack down on illegitimate traders such as these. Legitimate businesses have had an exceptionally hard time over the past two years in particular and they don’t need the additional struggle of competing with criminals for a share of the Christmas market.”
“In addition. we know that further up the supply chain, counterfeit goods are directly linked with terrorism and other high scale criminal activity. It’s important that we try and stamp out this market.”
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for public protection Martyn Alvey said: “I fully support the work that Cornwall Trading Standards are undertaking. It’s important to support Cornwall’s hard working business community and to protect consumers from spending their hard-earned cash on low quality fake goods.”
The case remains under investigation. If convicted the penalty under the Trade Marks Act can be an unlimited fine and/or up to 10 years imprisonment for each offence.