RCMP Busts Haggler’s

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – Hamilton/Niagara Detachment with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Hamilton Police Service (HPS) conducted a blitz of Hagglers Flea Market on Barton Street on April 7, 2013.

This blitz was part of a five month investigation that centered on individuals that were participating in the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods. Police seized approximately $100,000 in counterfeit goods including designer purses, jeans, sunglasses and DVD’s.

Two males were arrested and charged under section 42 of the Copyright Act. The RCMP charged Surjit JASSEL (45) of Guelph and Satish MAINI (61) of Mississauga.

“Our primary concern is to ensure the public is not being misled to believe that these goods are legitimate and spending hard earned money on counterfeit items” said Inspector Steve Martin(Officer in Charge of the Hamilton/Niagara Detachment).  “Intellectual property crimes or the sale of counterfeit goods, is a multi-million dollar a year enterprise which negatively impacts our economy. Criminal organizations garner a huge financial benefit from the piracy of goods and this money may be directed to other criminal activities”.

This investigation is still ongoing with the accused to appear on court on June 5th, 2013.

Counterfeit products are not tested and do not meet any safety standards.  For further information on Intellectual Property Rights Crime, including steps to take to avoid purchasing counterfeit items, visit: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/fep-pelf/ipr-dpi/index-eng.htm

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SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police