Latest news with #PeterFaux
The Australian
6 hours ago
- The Australian
Sydney police bust fake luxury goods ring, seize cars, cash, firearms
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. Fake watches were seized. Picture: NewsWire Handout 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. Organised Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Peter Faux compared the raided properties to a store. 'We seized an extremely large amount of fraudulent items, counterfeit items across the three premises,' he said. 'It was quite interesting. These three premises look like you're inside a department store.' A gel blaster firearm was discovered. Picture: NewsWire Handout $270,000 in cash was also seized. Picture: NewsWire Handout Three men - two aged 30 and one 33 - were arrested and taken to Granville Police Station. They were charged with multiple offences including concealing proceeds of a crime and participating in a criminal group. All three were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday. Three men were arrested. Picture: NewsWire Handout Police said the arrests sent a clear message to organised crime groups profiting off online deception. 'We will allege these individuals built a multimillion-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,' Superintendent Faux 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.' Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. Amelia Swan Journalist Amelia Swan joined News Corp as a cadet reporter in 2024. Amelia Swan
News.com.au
11 hours ago
- News.com.au
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.'
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
$10m fake luxury goods ring busted
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. Fake watches were seized. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire 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 gel blaster firearm was discovered. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire $270,000 in cash was also seized. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire 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. Three men were arrested. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire 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.' Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
ABC News
12 hours ago
- ABC News
Three men to front court after police seize high-end cars, watches from alleged scammers
Lamborghinis, Rolexes and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash have been seized from a Western Sydney group police allege netted $10 million by selling fake designer items. Three men are expected to face court after sweeping raids on Wednesday saw officers uncover a treasure trove of high-end goods and luxury cars. NSW Police alleged the group used social media to sell the fake products and profited about $9.7 million from the scam on unsuspecting customers online. Strike Force Alcova was set up by the Organised Crime Squad to investigate, using resources from the Unexplained Wealth Unit and the NSW Crime Commission to uncover the syndicate. Police said the group sold an array of fake goods, from clothing and watches to shoes and handbags. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," Organised Crime Squad commander Peter Faux 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 ... has not only arrested those responsible but are actively targeting the profits they've made illegally." Police seized nine luxury cars worth $3 million, $270,000 in cash and more than 500 counterfeit designer items. Among the high-end vehicles towed away were a Porsche, a McLaren, a Mercedes and two Lamborghinis. Police charged the trio with proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group offences. They are a 30-year-old from Fairfield East, a 33-year-old from Merrylands and a 30-year-old from Guildford. The men are due to face Parramatta Local Court on Thursday. "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth — vehicles, cash and luxury goods — through the sale of counterfeit items," NSW Crime Commission Executive director Darren Bennett said. "These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission. 'We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales."
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Trio arrested for selling $10m in knock-offs online
A purple Lamborghini was among an expensive trove seized by police from three men who built a $10 million empire selling fake merchandise on social media. The counterfeit luxury goods sold included everything from Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. Police raided the homes of the accused on Wednesday seizing nine cars including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes AMG worth a combined value of about $3 million. They also confiscated more than 500 counterfeit luxury items such as handbags and watches, more than $250,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. The group moved about $9.75 million in profit through various bank accounts, investigators claimed. Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford - after search warrants were executed under Strike Force Alcova. They were taken into custody and charged with various offences including recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. All three men were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday. Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods," he said. "This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked." The assets are under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, said Executive Director Bennett. "We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales," he said. "It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers." A purple Lamborghini was among an expensive trove seized by police from three men who built a $10 million empire selling fake merchandise on social media. The counterfeit luxury goods sold included everything from Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. Police raided the homes of the accused on Wednesday seizing nine cars including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes AMG worth a combined value of about $3 million. They also confiscated more than 500 counterfeit luxury items such as handbags and watches, more than $250,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. The group moved about $9.75 million in profit through various bank accounts, investigators claimed. Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford - after search warrants were executed under Strike Force Alcova. They were taken into custody and charged with various offences including recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. All three men were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday. Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods," he said. "This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked." The assets are under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, said Executive Director Bennett. "We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales," he said. "It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers." A purple Lamborghini was among an expensive trove seized by police from three men who built a $10 million empire selling fake merchandise on social media. The counterfeit luxury goods sold included everything from Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. Police raided the homes of the accused on Wednesday seizing nine cars including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes AMG worth a combined value of about $3 million. They also confiscated more than 500 counterfeit luxury items such as handbags and watches, more than $250,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. The group moved about $9.75 million in profit through various bank accounts, investigators claimed. Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford - after search warrants were executed under Strike Force Alcova. They were taken into custody and charged with various offences including recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. All three men were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday. Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods," he said. "This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked." The assets are under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, said Executive Director Bennett. "We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales," he said. "It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers." A purple Lamborghini was among an expensive trove seized by police from three men who built a $10 million empire selling fake merchandise on social media. The counterfeit luxury goods sold included everything from Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. Police raided the homes of the accused on Wednesday seizing nine cars including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes AMG worth a combined value of about $3 million. They also confiscated more than 500 counterfeit luxury items such as handbags and watches, more than $250,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. The group moved about $9.75 million in profit through various bank accounts, investigators claimed. Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford - after search warrants were executed under Strike Force Alcova. They were taken into custody and charged with various offences including recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. All three men were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday. Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods," he said. "This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked." The assets are under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, said Executive Director Bennett. "We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales," he said. "It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers."
