90 pallets of counterfeit goods with an estimated street value of £26.8 million were seized during a raid at a warehouse in Leighton Buzzard where thousands of items of counterfeit clothing were uncovered by Central Bedfordshire Council, working with the police and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG).

During the operation on 21 March, the Trading Standards Team took enforcement action to seize 90 pallets laden with counterfeit merchandise. Approximately 64,000 items of counterfeit clothing, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, jogging bottoms, and jumpers featuring illegal Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger trademarks were uncovered.

The council has swiftly moved forward by applying for a forfeiture hearing to arrange the distribution and repurposing of the confiscated goods. Investigations are ongoing with a view to bringing a prosecution in the future.
Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison, Cllr Rebecca Hares, said: “This is a massive haul, and another great example of us working in partnership to target those who look to profit from counterfeit goods. It’s important to people and businesses across Central Bedfordshire that we protect consumers and create a fair marketplace for honest traders selling genuine goods in today’s tough economic climate.”

Bedfordshire Police Chief Inspector, Jim Goldsmith, said: “The sale of counterfeit goods not only undermines legitimate businesses and brands, but the profits generated are often used to fund more serious criminal activities. We therefore remain committed to working alongside our partners to tackle this issue, ensuring the protection of consumers and our wider communities.”

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