Online Sellers of Fake Clothes Face Crackdown, But Challenge Remains

Following police raids that aimed to shut down social media channels selling counterfeit goods, it was discovered that many of these channels were operational again within 24 hours, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Law enforcement officials have been actively addressing the issue of fake goods, particularly in Cheetham Hill, where the problem has persisted for over three decades. After physical shops were targeted, sellers shifted their operations online, offering quick delivery services throughout Greater Manchester.

What many shoppers don't realize is that engaging in the counterfeit trade often contributes to more severe crimes, such as modern-day slavery and drug trafficking. Globally, counterfeiting represents the second-largest source of criminal income.

Last week’s investigation by the Manchester Evening News revealed that counterfeit products were being advertised in encrypted chatrooms on Telegram, with orders communicated via WhatsApp.

In a recent raid near Strangeways prison, police targeted a property suspected of operating as a decoy courier address for returns. While their WhatsApp and Telegram channels were shut down quickly, new ones emerged shortly after.

Police have indicated that the ongoing effort to combat counterfeit sales involves collaboration with the Intellectual Property Crime Unit from the City of London Police. Despite these arrests and efforts, sellers’ ability to adapt quickly makes this battle difficult.

After the raids on April 3, new online selling channels appeared within 24 hours, showcasing the agility of these sellers in evading law enforcement.

During Operation Vulcan, which commenced in 2022, police aimed to eradicate the ‘endemic criminality’ in Cheetham Hill. Even before this initiative, counterfeit sellers were utilizing social media to market their products professionally.

Despite the closure of physical shops, counterfeit sales continue to flourish online. Some sellers turned into delivery services, filling vans with counterfeit items until police intervention forced them to adapt once more by shipping products from their homes.

These sellers have now embraced encrypted chat platforms for selling, minimizing detection by law enforcement. Remarkably, the counterfeit goods trade is valued at £8.6 billion annually, with Cheetham Hill alone tied to 50% of this market, earning it the moniker "counterfeit capital of Europe."

This illegal trade often facilitates greater crimes, such as drug trafficking and human exploitation, creating profits for at least 33 organized crime groups that operate in the Cheetham Hill area.

A recent investigation revealed evidence of counterfeit clothing stashed in a blue bin during a raid near Strangeways, indicating that sellers were using this location as a decoy address.

Police noted that false returns processes are often established to mislead customers, who believe they can return unsatisfactory items, while in reality, they are being deceived.

A recent purchase of a counterfeit Dior t-shirt for £60 showcased how easily these products can be acquired through encrypted channels, delivered in unmarked packaging.

According to DS Jen Kelly, the lead on Operation Vulcan, raids often uncovered photography setups used for online sales through various platforms.

She emphasizes the need for constant vigilance to prevent the area from reverting to its previous criminal status.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit reinforced the mission to combat intellectual property crimes, which are seen as low-risk, high-reward activities linked to serious crimes such as money laundering and human trafficking.

Since April 2024, the unit has seen significant success, including numerous arrests and the freezing of millions in assets, while actively issuing warnings to offenders engaged in selling counterfeit products.