Trading Standards Operation

Dear Resident,

Officers from Wakefield Central NPT yesterday executed warrants at a number of properties – both residential and industrial in the Wakefield East ward area. Targeting those storing and selling counterfeit goods, the operation was led by Trading Standards Officers who were assisted by private industry organisations representing the vast majority of fashion, high street, sports, and high-end luxury-goods manufacturers.

A large warehouse unit was found to have been converted into a make-shift retail site which housed an incredible high level of stock. Identification experts were quickly able to evidence that all the property was counterfeit resulting in a massive seizure operation. Also located within this property was a 24-year-old male who was suspected to have been being kept in servitude. This man was safeguarded by specially trained Victim Liaison Officers, and another man present was duly arrested on suspicion of Modern Slavery Offences. Two further men were identified by Trading Standards officers and are being investigated for relevant offences.

Inspector Fraser, Wakefield Central NPT said: “We all enjoy a bargain, but the public needs to understand that the business of counterfeit goods is both dangerous and funds organised criminality. Many of the items seized were perfumes, make-up, and electrical goods. Tests have shown that counterfeit perfumes and make-up often contain toxic substances not suitable for human use and can cause harm, and the electrical items are not approved and have been known to cause fires in residential properties. Why would you ever take such a risk?

Also, the finding of a man in forced servitude should act as a warning to us all that this level of organised crime goes on. I would urge anybody who considers purchasing counterfeit property to fully acknowledge where your money goes and who suffers as a result of your actions.”

If you have any information relating to the sale of counterfeit goods you can report it to us via our online reporting form or you can contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Bureau:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.../report-to-trading.../