‘Counterfeit goods come at a cost’: PSNI after major £1.1M seizures in Northern Ireland

Counterfeit goods seized by police during Safer Business Action Week

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have issued a stark warning about the risks linked to buying counterfeit goods after more than £1.1 million worth of fake items were seized during coordinated searches.

The operation, carried out as part of Safer Business Action Week—a national initiative aimed at cracking down on business crime—saw officers search four properties in Dungannon and one in Mallusk.

Detective Sergeant Mason from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch said:

“Searches of four properties in Dungannon, plus one in Mallusk, were carried out by detectives from Organised Crime Branch, supported by officers from Trading Standards and the Intellectual Property Office.

“Over 1,200 items of counterfeit goods – including clothing, handbags, perfume, jewellery and toys – were seized. Collectively, the items represent an estimated loss of around £1.1 million to the brand retailers.

“Two business owners face police investigations into trademark offences and, as a result of the successful seizures, have now lost thousands of pounds worth of illicit stock.”

Health and Safety Fears Over Counterfeit Goods

DS Mason warned that fake products pose serious risks far beyond financial loss.

He said:

“Criminals will try to replicate anything and everything, from clothing, trainers and jewellery to electronic items and more. Some shoppers may be innocently unaware that they are in fact buying counterfeit items, while others are pleased to secure an affordable replica.

“My message is that counterfeit goods come, ironically, at a cost. They present a number of serious issues to you, your family and the wider community.

“Firstly, there are significant health and safety risks associated with counterfeit goods. Whether skincare, electrical items or clothing– these items don’t undergo the testing and quality control that genuine items do.

“A counterfeit children’s costume, for example, won’t have the necessary safety-release mechanism, and a counterfeit phone charger won’t be up to fire safety standards. Don’t let the idea of ‘saving’ a few pounds cost you your home, or even your life.”

Counterfeit Trade Funding Serious Crime

Beyond safety concerns, police stressed the wider criminal impact of buying fake products.

DS Mason continued:

“Some people will be surprised to learn that proceeds from the sale of counterfeit goods often fund serious organised crime, such as drug dealing, money laundering and human trafficking. To put it plainly, the purchase of counterfeit goods helps to line the pockets of criminals and paramilitaries.

“If that’s not enough to influence your decision, then please stop and ask yourself where these products are coming from. The truth is that the majority of fake goods are produced in sweatshops. These are factories with horrific conditions, and where vulnerable workers get paid an absolute pittance.”

He urged anyone with information on the supply of counterfeit goods to come forward by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Safer Business Action Week began on Monday 10 November and includes enforcement, education, and awareness campaigns to protect businesses and consumers.