Fake Premier League club merchandise is often linked to other forms of organised crime and fans who purchase their products could be inadvertently funding other crime. So say the Premier League and National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) who are urging fans to steer clear of counterfeit goods that are being produced on a massive scale in their clubs name.
Last year the Premier League seized 158,000 items, worth £2.6million, with club shirts topping the league table of fake products being sold on the streets and, increasingly, online.
The NFIB, which is a part of the City of London Police, warn that the proceeds of football related counterfeiting are being used by organised crime groups to fund other parts of their operations, including guns, drugs and human trafficking.
Club shirts are typically being sold for less than half their normal market value, but on inspection are often found to be low quality products.
Other fake football related goods that are being sold on stalls and in shops and on a growing number websites include items such as mobile phone cases, scarves and badges.
Working with the Premier League is the latest step being taken by the City of London Police to target counterfeiters, in particular those operating online.
Since Autumn 2012 the NFIB has been the UK lead for ‘Operation in your Eyes’; an international alliance involving Europol, EU member states and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, targeting criminals selling fake goods on websites.
In September the force launched the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), with funding allocated by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
PIPCU will be working in partnership with industry sectors and national and international law enforcement to combat the growing threat posed by online counterfeiting and piracy.
John Unsworth, Head of Intelligence at the NFIB, said: “Buying a counterfeit shirt for yourself or your kids will save you a few quid in the short term, but the reality is you are likely to be buying a poor product that will quickly start to show signs of wear. At the same time you could be putting money straight into the pockets of organised crime and helping fund their wider operations”.
“If you want to show your support for your team in what you wear or carry it is important to buy from authorised retailers, both when shopping on the street or online, and stay well away from the stalls and websites pushing fake football related goods. ”
If fans have any doubts about whether a retailer is selling official merchandise – contact the Premier League at [email protected]
If you know of people selling counterfeit goods – contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and if you have fallen victim to counterfeiters – contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk. Consumers can report counterfeiting via www.a-cg.com
