Manchester police raids uncover £15m in fake goods

Police raids in Manchester, UK, have netted counterfeit products worth an estimated £15m ($21m) at genuine retail prices, including electricals.

Four separate raids were conducted over three days by the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), the North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police at premises in the city centre.

Officers also found fake electricals including batteries that could pose a fire hazard, perfumes and medication. In total over 45,000 items were seized.

Seven people were arrested in the operation, six for offences relating to the importation and distribution of counterfeit goods and one for intent to supply prescription drugs. Mobile phones and cash were also seized from those arrested.