NSW Police have seized a fleet of luxury cars – including a purple Lamborghini and McLaren supercar as part of an operation that saw three men charged over the sale of nearly $10 million worth of counterfeit luxury goods.
Police carried out raids across Sydney’s west on Wednesday morning following an investigation into a crime syndicate accused of distributing fake designer clothing, watches, shoes, and handbags.
Officers seized nine vehicles valued at around $3million including a purple Lambo, over 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.
Police allege the group used social media platforms to market and sell the counterfeit items, generating approximately $9.75million in illicit revenue.
The syndicate allegedly laundered millions in profits through multiple bank accounts.
Police executed three search warrants in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford, and the suspects were taken to Granville Police Station.
The arrests follow an extensive investigation under Strike Force Alcova, launched by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team in collaboration with the NSW Crime Commission.
The 30-year-old Fairfield East man faces charges including dealing with proceeds of crime, concealing criminal proceeds, and participating in a criminal group.
The 33-year-old Merrylands man was charged with similar offences, while the 30-year-old Guildford man also faces a charge for failing to comply with a digital evidence access order.
All three were refused bail and scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, said the arrests send a strong message to criminal networks.
‘We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-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.’
Mr Faux warned ‘this kind of organised crime will not go unchecked’.
As well as arresting those responsible for the $10million crime, NSW Police, working with the NSW Crime Commission, has also targeted the profits that were made illegally.
NSW Crime Commission Executive Director Darren Bennett praised the operation, highlighting the seizure of tainted assets.
‘The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth 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 New South Wales.
‘This is a clear example of how financial investigations can strike at the heart of organised crime.’
Mr Bennett praised the work of the Organised Crime Squad, adding: ‘It’s a good day for NSW taxpayers.’