Trading standards officers found a haul of items worth nearly £12,000 being “falsely branded” with names including Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Apple, Samsung, Nike and Adidas
Trading standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council have seized a large quantity of counterfeit mobile phone accessories during an enforcement visit.
Following a complaint from a member of the public, officers found the items were “falsely branded” by claiming to be genuine products from well‑known names including Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Apple, Samsung, Nike, Adidas, Guess and Chanel.
Seized goods included counterfeit mobile phone covers, batteries, and unsafe electrical adapters, with an estimated retail value of £11,500.
The council warns that counterfeit items are “often untested, unsafe, and potentially dangerous”, particularly when they involve electrical components. They are also frequently linked to organised criminal networks, including exploitation and people trafficking.
The trader involved on this occasion, which the council has not named, now faces further investigation and enforcement action, with a view to prosecution through the courts.
Syed Ghani, the council’s cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Counterfeit goods put our residents at risk and undermine honest local businesses. The items seized in this operation were not only illegal but potentially dangerous.
“Our trading standards team will continue to take firm action against anyone selling unsafe or counterfeit products in our borough.
“We encourage residents to report anything suspicious so we can keep our communities safe.”
Anyone with concerns about any businesses in Barking and Dagenham selling counterfeit or unsafe goods is asked to email trading standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.
