Hundreds of suspected fake designer items from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel have been seized during a raid on a shop in Kensington.
The alleged counterfeit luxury brands, valued at around £200,000, were among the haul discovered at a store on Kensington Church Street.
A total of 467 suspected fake Dior, Burberry and other designer coats, jackets, handbags and accessories were discovered by Trading Standards officers from Kensington and Chelsea Council as well as trademark representatives from the brands involved.
A large number of suspected fake products were found on the shop floor, with considerably more items recovered from the basement, the council said.
The shop owner reportedly tried to stop officers from entering the basement, resulting in the police having to be called.
Kensington Church Street is a high-end shopping area that runs between tourist hotspots Notting Hill Gate and Kensington High Street, traditionally known for its art and antiques shops. Buildings at the southern end date back to the early 1700s.
Items on sale were close to the retail cost of authentic items, with prices ranging from £250 to £1,000, so shoppers had no idea they were possibly buying fakes, the council said.
The raid was carried out on January 20 after allegations that counterfeit goods were being sold at the store.
The unamed store will be investigated under the Trade Marks Act 1994 which could result in further formal action being taken against the business owners.
A previous test purchase by trademark representatives for Dior and Louis Vuitton had determined that counterfeit goods were being sold there, the council said.
Councillor Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Local Economy and Employment, said: “Selling counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. Shoppers are ripped off, confidence in legitimate brands undermined and we know that the supply and sale of fake items funds everything from organised crime to human trafficking.”
Those convicted of selling counterfeit goods could face a prison sentence of up to ten years and an unlimited fine, as well as potentially having homes, possessions and other assets confiscated as proceeds of crime.
