Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged three people for allegedly profiting nearly $10 million from the sale of counterfeit luxury goods on social media.
Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods, including clothing, watches, shoes and handbags.
Investigations revealed the group used social media sites to sell their goods and had allegedly moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts.
Following extensive inquiries, from about 8.30am yesterday (Wednesday 18 June 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Operational Support Group and Cumberland Police Area Command – executed three search warrants in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford.
During the searches, police located and seized nine cars worth approximately $3 million, more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.
Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford.
They were taken to Granville Police Station, where the 30-year-old Fairfield East man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime < $100000 & > $5000, recklessly deal proceeds general crime intend to conceal, recklessly deal proceeds of general crime $100000 or more, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 33-year-old was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime < $100000 & > $5000, recklessly deal proceeds general crime intend to conceal, and participate criminal group contribute criminal.
The 30-year-old man from Guildford was charged with recklessly deal proceeds general crime intend to conceal, participate criminal group contribute criminal and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
All three men were refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 19 June 2025).
Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates.
"We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," Detective Superintendent Faux said.
"Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods.
"This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked. The NSW Police Force, working closely with the NSW Crime Commission, has not only arrested those responsible but are actively targeting the profits they've made illegally."
NSW Crime Commission Executive Director Darren Bennett added this operation has resulted in a significant seizure of tainted assets.
"The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," Executive Director Bennett said.
"We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales. This is a clear example of how financial investigations can strike at the heart of organised crime."
"The Crime Commission congratulates the Organised Crime Squad for their outstanding work in securing the evidence that led to this outcome. It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers."
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity etc is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
