Fake Goods Worth More than £30m Seized in Barras Crackdown
Although Surelock has not been directly involved with this long running operation we have supplied authentication evidence when our clients’ counterfeits have been seized.
Fake goods worth more than £30m have been seized and 100 arrests were made during a three-year crackdown on Glasgow’s Barras market.
Counterfeit clothing, shoes, bags, electronics, jewellery and tobacco – all labelled as designer gear – were recovered by police and Trading Standards officers.
Operation Salang was set up to cut down on the illegal counterfeit trade and protect the intellectual property of brands.
A number of stalls were removed from the Barras and new businesses are being encouraged to set up.
The Scottish government and Glasgow City Council have allocated £5m to regenerate the area.
Ch Insp David Pettigrew said: “Members of the public can sometimes see the sale of counterfeit goods as a victimless crime.
“People should remember that although it may seem like a bargain, the proceeds from this illicit activity funds other types of criminality such as drug dealing and prostitution.”
Trading Standards said six buildings within the market which were previously empty are now being used for new ventures such as artists studios, giving opportunities to young people.
The UK Intellectual Property Office – responsible for protecting patents, designs, trademarks and copyright – was involved in the operation.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister for Intellectual Property, said: “Barras Market has a bright future. Working with our partners we have ended the reign of criminality in this area.
“Legitimate businesses, previously undercut and threatened by counterfeit traders, are returning and I am very happy to see that the area is being regenerated.”
