Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 4th March 2025 at 14:45hrs
A 42-year-old shopkeeper from the Liverpool area has been arrested on suspicion of trademark offences following a joint operation between Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council Trading Standards, and Apple Inc.
The arrest occurred at approximately 3:20 PM on Monday, March 3rd, when police patrols, accompanied by representatives from Liverpool City Council Trading Standards and Apple Inc., executed an operation at a phone store in Liverpool city centre.
An Apple Inc. representative identified several items, including Airpods, displayed behind the shop counter, as counterfeit products bearing the Apple logo.
The 42-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of unauthorised use of a trademark, contrary to Section 94 of the Trademark Act 1994.
During the investigation, a substantial amount of cash was discovered, leading to a further arrest for possession of criminal property. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug Class B.
A subsequent search of the store resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of cash, Apple phone cases, and counterfeit Apple Airpods. The seized cash is being held under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The man was taken into custody and later released under investigation pending further enquiries.
City centre Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jack Woodward stated, “This forms part of our ongoing work in the city centre aimed at disrupting criminal activity and being a visible presence to deter antisocial behaviour and criminality.”
He added, “We know that large groups of youths frequently gather in the city causing issues for businesses and members of the public and we are aiming to combat that through our proactive partnership work.”
Inspector Woodward emphasized the range of tools available to the police, including regular uniformed patrols, CCTV, and CityWatch cameras, to identify and apprehend offenders.
He assured the public and visitors to the city that the police would continue to work with their partners to address these issues.
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