拢4m in counterfeit goods seized at East Midlands Airport
The counterfeit goods were seized over the last year by UK Border Agency officers. They have now received an award for their work.
The team at the airport received an award for their work from the .聽Among the items they seized were fake聽GHD-branded hair straighteners worth 拢117,884 and products labeled as Nintendo valued at 拢155,135.
World Anti-Counterfeiting Day
The announcement coincides with World Anti-Counterfeiting Day today, which raises awareness about the problems associated with fake goods.
UK Border Agency officers across the country work closely with key manufacturers and organisations like the to identify and seize fake goods before they鈥檙e purchased by unsuspecting buyers.
The Anti-Counterfeiting Group estimates that fake products cost the UK economy approximately 拢11bn a year, and the Treasury up to 拢550m in lost VAT and duty.
If it looks too good to be true, it is
Alex Lawther, UK Border Agency Assistant Director, said, 鈥楾hese results make it abundantly clear just how seriously we take the smuggling of counterfeit goods, a crime which deprives the public purse of millions of pounds of valuable revenue every year. Our officers work tirelessly to detect and detain smuggled goods, disrupting an illegal trade which cheats British taxpayers and undercuts honest businesses.
鈥楽mugglers are only out to make a profit. The goods are often dangerous and the proceeds can be used to fuel serious organised crime. Many people enjoy finding a bargain, but the UK Border Agency鈥檚 message to the public is straightforward: Quite simply, if something appears to be too good to be true, it is.鈥�
If you suspect counterfeiting
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to counterfeit goods should call 0800 595 000.