Officers say ‘not on our patch’ to those wishing to reopen counterfeit shops across Greater Manchester, following morning raid in Oldham

Officers from Oldham’s Neighbourhood Team alongside officers from Operation Vulcan, have made two arrests and seized a significant amount of counterfeit footwear and accessories at a commercial premises in Chadderton earlier today (Tuesday 20 February 2024).

Officers sawed off the shutters and smashed through doors before finding a number of suspected counterfeit footwear and accessories inside the premises which have all been seized.

Oldham’s neighbourhood team drafted in support from officers in Operation Vulcan, who are utilised across the force to stamp out counterfeit operations where they emerge, and assisted officers today with the entry and search of the premises on hand to share their expertise and tactics in dealing with counterfeit trade.

Alongside police, partners from Immigration Enforcement worked together to tackle counterfeit establishments in Oldham.

Two men aged 32 and 33 were arrested on suspicion of trademark offences and money laundering at a nearby property, they both remain in custody for questioning.

Two cars were also seized by police.

Superintendent Phil Hutchinson of GMP’s Oldham district, said: "This morning’s operation was a fantastic result for Oldham, during which huge numbers of suspected counterfeit products were seized.

“The items seized will now be examined and assessed by brand experts to determine if they are in fact counterfeit.

“I hope our work today, will continue to robustly tackle this type of crime, sending a clear message to criminals that GMP is committed to obstructing counterfeit trade, regardless of where it emerges in the force.

“The power of collaborative working should not be underestimated in GMP and by sharing intelligence with partners we are in a strong place to act on any information passed to us.

"I hope the public will be reassured by the activity today, the counterfeit trade is not a victimless crime, and it often funds much more serious crime and violence in our communities, and we will continue to do everything in our power to thwart criminals through resilient action to shut down their illicit enterprises.

Superintendent Phil Hutchinson and Cheif Inspector Andy Torkington

Chief Inspector Andy Torkington of Operation Vulcan, said: “We hope that the action seen today is a significant strike against the pocket of organised criminality.

“We’ve always known those involved in the counterfeit trade and associated criminality will take extraordinary measures to exploit any market they can and the raids today demonstrate that no matter where they go, we will follow them and seize their assets.

“Operation Vulcan assisted neighbourhood teams in Oldham to clear the premises of counterfeit goods and sharing best practice from the previous success of the operation seen in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways area of Manchester and the joint work must continue to showcase an effective and efficient law enforcement response to the counterfeit trade in Greater Manchester.”