Toronto's largest-ever counterfeit goods bust
Ian Robertson,Toronto Sun
December 03, 2012
TORONTO - Raids on suspected counterfeit imported goods outlets throughout Toronto and York Region recently yielded a record-breaking haul worth $3 million, Toronto Police announced Monday.
Its the largest seizure in Toronto history, and the second-largest in Canada, Staff-Insp. Bryce Evans told reporters in a police auditorium filled with fake goods including copies of drugs such as Viagara, clothing, DVD movies, Gucci handbags, footwear and stuffed toys.
Unlike obvious fakes largely churned out in sweatshops in China, counterfeit objects today are much more diverse, he said.
Christmas is an especially favourite time for makers of fake goods to flood stores, plus online shopping, Evans said.
About 80% of bogus consumer products are from China, he said, adding about 30% contain materials that pose serious health problems.
Stuffed toys many with fake manufacturers labels attached by Canadian importers have been found stuffed with dog and human hair. Rat droppings have also been found.
RCMP Insp. Todd Gilmore said trade in counterfeit goods is a highly organized crime activity.
The Project Consumer Safety raids on 10 GTA store and mall outlets last week resulted in the arrest of 10 people who face charges of fraud, possessing property obtained by crime, passing off counterfeit wares and selling infringed copyright goods.
They were released from custody, after being order to attend court in January.
Story Here
Ian Robertson,Toronto Sun
December 03, 2012
TORONTO - Raids on suspected counterfeit imported goods outlets throughout Toronto and York Region recently yielded a record-breaking haul worth $3 million, Toronto Police announced Monday.
Its the largest seizure in Toronto history, and the second-largest in Canada, Staff-Insp. Bryce Evans told reporters in a police auditorium filled with fake goods including copies of drugs such as Viagara, clothing, DVD movies, Gucci handbags, footwear and stuffed toys.
Unlike obvious fakes largely churned out in sweatshops in China, counterfeit objects today are much more diverse, he said.
Christmas is an especially favourite time for makers of fake goods to flood stores, plus online shopping, Evans said.
About 80% of bogus consumer products are from China, he said, adding about 30% contain materials that pose serious health problems.
Stuffed toys many with fake manufacturers labels attached by Canadian importers have been found stuffed with dog and human hair. Rat droppings have also been found.
RCMP Insp. Todd Gilmore said trade in counterfeit goods is a highly organized crime activity.
The Project Consumer Safety raids on 10 GTA store and mall outlets last week resulted in the arrest of 10 people who face charges of fraud, possessing property obtained by crime, passing off counterfeit wares and selling infringed copyright goods.
They were released from custody, after being order to attend court in January.
Story Here