Lamborghinis, fake watches and $270k in cash: Social media scam busted in police sting

A major investigation has exposed a high-end counterfeit luxury goods scheme involving luxury cars like Lamborghinis and fake watches.

Police have busted a $10m counterfeit luxury goods ring, seizing nine luxury cars, hundreds of fake designer items, cash, and a firearm in sweeping raids across western Sydney.

Organised Crime Squad detectives arrested three men in the early-morning raids sparked by an extensive investigation into an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling fake luxury goods.

Fake watches were seized. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Officers allege the group used social media sites to sell fake high-end clothing, shoes, handbags and watches, moving an estimated $9.75m in profits through various bank accounts.

Strike Force Alcova detectives swooped on properties in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford, on Wednesday, locating nine cars including Lamborghinis worth about $3m, more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.

Organised Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Peter Faux compared the raided properties to a store.

“We seized an extremely large amount of fraudulent items, counterfeit items across the three premises,” he said.

“It was quite interesting. These three premises look like you’re inside a department store.”

A gel blaster firearm was discovered. Picture: NewsWire Handout

$270,000 in cash was also seized. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Three men - two aged 30 and one 33 - were arrested and taken to Granville Police Station.

They were charged with multiple offences including concealing proceeds of a crime and participating in a criminal group.

All three were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.

Three men were arrested. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Police said the arrests sent a clear message to organised crime groups profiting off online deception.

“We will allege these individuals built a multimillion-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,” 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 the operation had uncovered a significant stockpile of 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,” he said.

“We’ve commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of NSW. This is a clear example of how financial investigations can strike at the heart of organised crime.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Lamborghinis, fake watches and $270k in cash: Social media scam busted in police sting