Lamborghinis, luxury watches, $270k in cash seized as police bust $10m counterfeit goods ring
Police have seized supercars, designer jewellery, hundreds of counterfeit goods and a gel blaster after dismantling a Sydney-based crime syndicate.
NSW
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Lamborghinis, Mercedes, McLarens, luxury watches and jewellery have been seized in sweeping raids that brought down an alleged $10 million counterfeit goods empire operating out of Sydney’s west.
Detectives from the Organised Crime Squad have charged three men following a major investigation into a group allegedly behind the online sale of fake luxury clothing, shoes, handbags and watches — with the illicit operation said to have banked nearly $9.75 million in profits.
The crackdown is the result of Strike Force Alcova, launched by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate the syndicate’s operations, which largely used social media platforms to push the counterfeit products.
From 8.30am on Wednesday, police executed search warrants across Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford — where they uncovered nine luxury cars worth about $3 million, more than 500 counterfeit designer items, $270,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm.
Three men — Admad Kase Siffiqi, 30, Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, and Shadi Skaf, 30 — were arrested at the properties and taken to Granville Police Station.
The 30-year-old Fairfield East man was charged with multiple offences, including dealing with proceeds of crime worth over $100,000, concealing proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.
The 33-year-old Merrylands man was charged with similar offences, while the Guildford man was also charged with failing to comply with a digital evidence access order.
All three were refused bail and are due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the bust sent a clear warning to organised crime groups profiting from digital deception.
“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 said the raids had uncovered a significant stockpile 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,” Mr 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.”
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