Legal News

Lincolnshire Trading Standards is warning consumers that counterfeit trainers may end up funding terrorism.

The warning was issued after a recent raid at Eastgate Market in Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire, where a large quantity of counterfeit clothing and footwear was discovered.

Trading Standards, Lincolnshire Police and members of the UK’s Anti-Counterfeiting Group seized thousands of fake items, which could have been used to fund terrorism in the Middle East and elsewhere, says the council – which is basing its warning on mounting anecdotal evidence and the concern of counter-terrorism experts.

In 2015, it was revealed that one of the terrorists involved in the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris had been involved in the trading of counterfeit trainers and cigarettes.

Senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, Emma Beckett, said:

“Many people think that the trade of counterfeit goods is a victimless crime, but that’s really not the case.

“We’ve always known that they risk human safety, negatively affect genuine businesses and the wider economy – but increasingly there are concerns over where the money generated by these goods goes.

“No honest person would willingly give money to fund organised crime – but from drugs and guns to people smuggling and terrorism, that’s exactly what you could be doing when you buy fakes: you just never know where your money will end up.”

County officer public protection, Superintendent Mark Housley, added:

“You may think the idea that fake goods bought on a local market could be funding terrorism is far-fetched – but more and more anecdotal evidence is pointing in this direction.

“People have to recognise that these are not just one-off stallholders in your local market – they are buying these goods from international traders who are organised in committing this crime, and are usually involved in other types of crime as well.

“We may not be able to put a complete stop to organised crime and terrorism, but by saying no to counterfeit goods, we can make sure we are not helping to support them.”

Duncan Lewis Terrorism Solicitors

Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving terrorism, including charges relating to fundraising for terrorism, preparing or carrying out acts of terrorism, encouraging others to carry out acts of terrorism and belonging to a proscribed organisation.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

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