Authorities make a first in anti-counterfeit operations

GOLD COAST: Queensland police seized $135 000 worth of fake designer apparel as part of the first ever Gold Coast counterfeit clothing bust last month.
Police, Global Brand Protection (GBP) and the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) joined forces to uncover the two offending stores in Bundall: JK Imports in Ashmore Road and Golfwear by Desmond in Strathaird Road.
During the three months of investigations, GBP recorded conversations with staff, cross-examined the goods and collected critical evidence before ultimately alerting state authorities to the counterfeit operation.
Executive Director of the ASGA Sean Cary said investigators were alerted to the business through their extensive network of sources.
"Word of mouth is very strong and this particular business is in the middle of many larger, more well-known Australian Golf Retailers, whom I'm sure would not be happy if competitors were getting away with selling fake products."
The golf brands involved in the seizure were Taylor Made, Ping and Titleist as well as BMW, Everlast, Nike and Versace. Although police believe the batch was sourced from South-East Asia, Nike general security manager Richard Stanwiz said more often than not the clothes are manufactured in "sweat shop garages in our own backyard".
"What we are seeing is more backyard sweat shops in garages and warehouses. It is mainly illegal immigrants working as cheap labour to make clothes that cost between $2 and $3 which then retail for almost $80 a shirt.
"Many of these offences go under the radar so it is an easy and more profitable way for crime networks to make money. It is far easier to smuggle a bag of clothes into a country than it is a bag of marijuana."
JK Import's general manager was given notice to appear in court to face 17 offences under the Commonwealth Trademark Act. If found guilty, he could be fined $200 per item.