Sydney Trio Arrested For Allegedly Selling $10 Million of Fake Luxury Gear
Image: Fake luxury watches by János Venczák
A Sydney trio have been arrested for allegedly selling $10 million of counterfeit luxury gear online.
According to police, the organised crime syndicate was allegedly involved in selling fake clothing, watches, shoes and handbags on social media sites.
Around 8:30 am on Wednesday, police executed three search warrants in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford.
During the searches, police located and seized nine cars worth approximately $3 million, more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.
Additionally, the group used social media sites to sell their goods and had allegedly moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts, according to investigations.
Trio Arrested over fake luxury gear in Western Sydney
Three men, including a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford, were arrested.
They were taken to Granville Police Station, where the men were charged with several offences including dealing with property proceeds of crime between $5000 and $100 0000, recklessly dealing proceeds general crime intending to conceal, and participating in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
All three men were refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Arrests send ‘clear message to organised crime syndicates’
Commander of State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates.
“We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,” Detective Superintendent Faux said.
“Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods.
“This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked. The NSW Police Force, working closely with the NSW Crime Commission, has not only arrested those responsible but are actively targeting the profits they’ve made illegally,” Detective Superintendent Faux added.
Furthermore, NSW Crime Commission Executive Director Darren Bennett stated that the operation had led to a significant confiscation of “tainted assets”.
“The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission,” Executive Director Bennett said.
Executive Director Bennett declared that they had begun proceedings to recover the money, with the goal of returning the funds to people in NSW who had been affected.
“This is a clear example of how financial investigations can strike at the heart of organised crime. The Crime Commission congratulates the Organised Crime Squad for their outstanding work in securing the evidence that led to this outcome. It’s a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers,” Executive Director Bennett said.
