Fake designer goods worth £11m seized in 'largest ever haul' in Scotland

A man has appeared in court after the largest haul of counterfeit goods ever recorded in Scotland was seized across Glasgow and Lanarkshire.

Ian Jones pleaded guilty to 15 charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 65-year-old was found in possession of around 20 tonnes of counterfeit goods, believed to be worth an excess of £11m in detriment to the brands.

Following an investigation, a significant amount of counterfeit clothing and accessories mimicking several luxury brands was seized from storage facilities in Ibrox, Bellshill and East Kilbride.

Man pleads guilty to 'largest haul of counterfeit goods' ever seized in Scotland — Man pleads guilty to ‘largest haul of counterfeit goods’ ever seized in Scotland Trading Standards Scotland

The items are now set to be recycled.

Jones is due to be sentenced on June 24.

Fiona Richardson, chief officer for Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) stated: “Illicit trade is a priority for Trading Standards Scotland and the team regularly looks to undertake actions against those selling counterfeit goods.

“These actions are aimed at protecting consumers and legitimate businesses by preventing the sale of counterfeit products throughout Scotland.

“We would like to thank our partners – Police Scotland, local authority trading standards, the Anti Counterfeiting Group and brand holders – for their assistance with the operations which led to today’s guilty plea.”

Phil Lewis, director general, The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), added: “We are delighted to see this landmark result, for Scotland and the wider fight against organised counterfeiting groups across the UK. This type of criminal activity will not go unchallenged.

“The sale of Counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. Behind every fake product are criminals involved in the illicit trade of drugs, weapons and forced labour.

“All consumers are at risk of harm from legitimate businesses that destroy jobs and rob the country of vital revenue, which could be used to fund vital public services, schools and hospitals.

“Cases of this scale only succeed through sustained cross-agency collaboration, and we’re proud to have supported Trading Standards Scotland and partners throughout these operations.

“ACG represents almost 3,000 brands in 130 countries, and our members feel the impact of counterfeiting every day.

“Today’s outcome demonstrates what’s possible when enforcement agencies, brand holders and trading standards collaborate with shared purpose.”