Lamborghinis, fake watches and $10m in cash: Social media scam busted in police sting
Police have busted a $10m counterfeit luxury goods ring, seizing nine luxury cars, hundreds of fake designer items, cash, and a firearm in sweeping raids across western Sydney.
Organised Crime Squad detectives arrested three men in the early-morning raids sparked by an extensive investigation into an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling fake luxury goods.
Officers allege the group used social media sites to sell fake high-end clothing, shoes, handbags and watches, moving an estimated $9.75m in profits through various bank accounts.
Strike Force Alcova detectives swooped on properties in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford, on Wednesday, locating nine cars including Lamborghinis worth about $3m, more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.
A 30-year old in Fairfield East, a 33-year old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford were arrested and taken to Granville Police Station.
The 30-year old Fairfield East man was charged with multiple offences including concealing proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group.
The 33-year-old man from Merrylands was charged with similar offences and the 30-year old from Guildford was also charged with failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.
All three were refused bail and will appear in Parramatta Local Court later on Thursday.
Organised Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said the arrests sent a clear message to organised crime groups.
'We will allege these individuals built a multimillion-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,' he said.
'Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods.
'This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked. The NSW Police Force, working closely with the NSW Crime Commission, has not only arrested those responsible but are actively targeting the profits they've made illegally.'
NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett added the operation had uncovered a significant stockpile of assets.
'The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission,' he said.
'We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of NSW. This is a clear example of how financial investigations can strike at the heart of organised crime.'
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