Fake Olympic goods intercepted in UK

CONSIGNMENTS of counterfeit Olympic goods have been seized at ports and airports across the UK in the run-up to next month’s Games.

More than 7,000 fake Olympic bags, 500 fake cigarette lighters and 400 fake vests make up the relatively modest haul seized by officials.

Home Office Minister Damian Green said: “Counterfeiting is not a harmless crime but a criminal enterprise posing a serious economic threat estimated to be worth around £1.3 billion in the UK each year.

“In this Olympic summer Border Force officers have utilised intelligence sources, scanner technology and search techniques to successfully thwart those seeking to illegally profit from the Games.”

The biggest haul came at the port of Felixstowe, in Suffolk, where the Olympic bags were intercepted. At London’s Heathrow airport, thousands of fake Olympic holders for tickets were also discovered in freight last month.