Police raid Pacific Mall shops looking for counterfeit goods
Posted June 27, 2018 1:21 pm.
Last Updated June 27, 2018 6:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thousands of suspected counterfeit items were seized after police raided several stores at Pacific Mall on Wednesday.
More than 30 York Regional Police officers executed seven search warrants at various retail locations within the mall and at one residence in Markham following complaints from citizens.
The items seized included clothes, handbags and cell phone accessories as well as a quantity of cash seized from the home of one of the owners of a kiosk in the mall.
Police say no charges have been laid, however, the investigation is continuing.
The raid was part of a month-long investigation into counterfeit goods.
In January, the Office of the United States Trade Representative named the shopping centre in its annual review of so-called “notorious markets” that included 18 brick-and-mortar locations and 25 online retailers.
The mall’s management says it has been taking steps to tackle the illegal activity, including issuing written advisories and warnings to store owners.
Pacific Mall also says it is partnering with manufacturers to assist in identifying imitation products, including hiring a private investigator to conduct internal audits and launching a website where shoppers can report suspected counterfeit goods being sold.
