Another fake one bites the dust
Conducted late last month in the suburb of Thomastown, the dramatic raid was a joint venture between the Fawker Divisional Response Unit and private investigation firm Global Brand Protection (GBP); which provided police with substantial evidence against the counterfeit outlet.
Due to the sensitivity of the case, GBP could not reveal specific details on the importing group but said it was responsible for trafficking a plethora of fake labels into Australia including Christian Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Playboy, Billabong, Paul Frank, Quicksilver and Roxy.
This was the group's third major importer arrest in the last twelve months following similar stings in Peakhurst and Sefton early last year. Although only one person has been arrested as a result of the latest raid, GBP confirmed that investigations were ongoing with more perpetrators expected to be detained in coming months.
The raid, which proceeded four weeks of intense investigation by GBP, netted goods with a retail value of $1.2 million; bringing the group's combined value of operations in the last twelve months to $5 million.
GBP said its counterfeit program, which is only a part of the business's overall strategy, had contributed to 10 raids in the last year and was successful because it not only targeted retail outlets but large importers of counterfeit merchandise.
The group is now aiming to be a leader in the reduction of counterfeit merchandise in Australia and New Zealand. It is believed a similar sting operation is currently undergoing due diligence.