UPDATE: Authorities have just seized fake goods worth around £1.5 million destined for a city’s Christmas market. The operation, conducted by Trading Standards in Newcastle on December 3, 2025, uncovered hundreds of containers filled with counterfeit items, including luxury brands like Chanel, Bvlgari, and Vivienne Westwood.
Trading Standards Officers acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off from UK Border Force. They discovered a self-storage facility packed with illegal merchandise, far exceeding previous seizures in the region. The operation revealed that these containers were functioning as an illegal “fulfilment house,” with shipments arriving from China aimed at flooding the local market with counterfeit products.
Among the extensive haul were 5,951 pairs of trainers, many branded by popular companies such as Adidas, New Balance, and Hoka. The average retail price of these trainers is approximately £100 per pair, amounting to nearly £600,000 in just footwear alone. Other notable items included watches from Omega and Casio, along with Apple AirPods, all labeled for sale on reputable online platforms.
Trading Standards officer Paul Leighton described the scene, saying, “It was like walking into a department store, but nothing is real. It’s on a level I have never come across.” He emphasized that while similar operations have been reported in larger cities like London and Birmingham, this scale of counterfeiting was unprecedented in the North East.
Newcastle City Council has called in brand experts and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group to confirm the authenticity of the seized goods, which could lead to prosecutions. Deputy leader Cllr Alex Hay praised the Trading Standards team, stating, “They have disrupted a major illegal enterprise conning the public and probably funding organized crime here and abroad.” He urged consumers to be vigilant this holiday season, warning that counterfeit items can pose serious dangers, from electronic hazards to health risks.
Phil Lewis, Director General of the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, echoed these concerns, noting that over 80% of counterfeit products originate from China and Hong Kong. He stated, “The removal of these from the market will impact criminal profits and prevent increasing dangers to the public.”
The hundreds of boxes of counterfeit goods are now secured as evidence while an ongoing investigation unfolds. Authorities continue to stress the importance of purchasing from legitimate sources to protect both consumers and the economy.
This urgent operation highlights the significant challenges faced by enforcement agencies in combating the growing wave of counterfeit goods. As the holiday shopping season approaches, officials encourage everyone to remain cautious and informed about the potential risks associated with counterfeit merchandise.
