Mississauga – After a lengthy investigation, officers from the Fraud Bureau have raided three Mississauga-area warehouses, in what has been described by industry experts as the largest seizure of counterfeit goods in Canadian history.

 

On Thursday, July 31, 2008, a series of search warrants were executed at Thamesgate Drive warehouses, resulting in the seizure of over 25,000 pieces of counterfeit merchandise [see attached photo ]. These items are estimated to have a street value of over $10,000,000.

 

The fraudulent labels included designers such Gucci, Channel, Prada, Burberry, Juicy Couture, Coach, Dolce & Gabana, Armani, Louie Vouiton, Harley Davidson and Diesel.

 

Charged with 21 fraud-related charges each are 32 year-old Kushwant MALHOTRA, of Mississauga, and 33 year-old Gurmeet SINGH, also of Mississauga. Both will be making their first court appearances in Brampton on September 22, 2008.

 

Investigators would like to remind consumers that knowingly possessing fraudulent merchandise is a crime. To avoid being victimized, consumers should be wary of deals which seem “too good to be true”. Consumers should also be suspicious of “discount” designer merchandise sold in locations such as flea markets.  

 

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is requested to contact investigators at the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121 ext. 3335. Anonymous tips may also be made by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

 

For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at (905) 453-2121, ext. 4027.

Released by the Region of Peel Police on August 1, 2008 at 14:02