Fake designer clothes seized at Brighton market
Fake designer clothing worth at least £300,000 if sold legitimately has been seized in a crackdown on counterfeiting at Brighton Racecourse market.
Sussex Police and Brighton trading standards officers arrested four people, three men and a boy, 14, at the racecourse on Monday.
Officers seized a large quantity of fake clothing from two stalls and three vans, along with £1,535 in cash.
The four arrested were bailed without charge while inquiries continue.
Police said the clothes included labels for brands including Stone Island, Armani and Ralph Lauren, and would have been sold at a fraction of the legitimate retail value for genuine items.
Det Insp Simon Harsley said: "This form of crime can be very lucrative for traders across the country, as well as undercutting and prejudicing the commercial success of legitimate business."
"But we also believe that they commit money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act."
Councillor Dee Simson added: "Many people think that counterfeiting is a victimless crime."
She added: "There is undisputable evidence that counterfeiting activity is linked to serious organised crime. It also damages legitimate traders who face unfair competition from these criminals."