Toronto Police Seize Almost $2 Million of Counterfeit Nike, Puma Goods at Discount Brand Store
Toronto police announced they have seized just under £2 million of counterfeit clothing at Brands Gone Wild, a store that sells marked-down old stock from name brands. In the police news release, they claimed some counterfeit brands the store sold included Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. In total, police say they seized a total of £1,885,150.00 worth of counterfeit clothing.
Toronto police also arrested two men, Frank Monte and Michael Guerriero and charged them with fraud over £5000, possession of property obtained by crime, and passing off descriptions of wares. Both Monte and Guerriero are set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on May 15, 2023. In 2018, a similar raid occurred when York Regional Police raided a store in Pacific Mall in Markham.
Police say they seized counterfeit goods such as clothing, handbags, and cell phone accessories. Pacific Mall has a history of vendors selling counterfeit material. A U.S. government report claimed that Pacific Mall is one of the most notorious malls for counterfeit and pirated goods in the world.
The report added that the sales of counterfeit goods at the mall are “sprawling and pervasive.”