On Wednesday 22 April 2026, a 65-year-old male, Ian Jones, pleaded guilty to 15 charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 at Hamilton Sheriff Court. This comes as the result of a series of successful operations undertaken by Trading Standards Scotland and partners, including local authority trading standards services, Police Scotland, the Anti Counterfeiting Group and brand holders.
Currently considered the largest haul in Scotland, this action has resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of counterfeit clothing and accessories mimicking a number of luxury brands representing an excess of £11 million in detriment to the legitimate brands.
Around 20 tonnes of counterfeit goods were seized during the operations – following today’s guilty plea, these will be recycled. Images of the goods recovered can be found here.
Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer for Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) stated:
“Illicit trade is a priority for Trading Standards Scotland and the team regularly looks to undertake actions against those selling counterfeit goods. These actions are aimed at protecting consumers and legitimate businesses by preventing the sale of counterfeit products throughout Scotland.
“We would like to thank our partners – Police Scotland, local authority trading standards, the Anti Counterfeiting Group and brand holders – for their assistance with the operations which led to today’s guilty plea.”
Phil Lewis, Director General, The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), said:
“We are delighted to see this landmark result, for Scotland and the wider fight against organised counterfeiting groups across the UK. This type of criminal activity will not go unchallenged.
“The sale of Counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. Behind every fake product are criminals involved in the illicit trade of drugs, weapons and forced labour. All consumers are at risk of harm from legitimate businesses that destroy jobs and rob the country of vital revenue, that could be used to fund vital public services, schools and hospitals. Cases of this scale only succeed through sustained cross-agency collaboration, and we’re proud to have supported Trading Standards Scotland and partners throughout these operations.
“ACG represents c3,000 brands in 130 countries, and our members feel the impact of counterfeiting every day. Today’s outcome demonstrates what’s possible when enforcement agencies, brand holders and trading standards collaborate with shared purpose.”
Illicit trade is a priority for the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce which bring partners together to work collaboratively in order to protect Scottish communities. Last year, TSS undertook research to garner an understanding of public attitudes towards illicit trade. Some of the key findings included:
- 40% of all responders said they are likely to consider purchasing counterfeit goods from the various categories names including clothing & accessories, candles, over the counter medication, toys, cosmetics, electrical goods, pharmacy medication, prescription medication, pharmaceuticals for skin and weight loss injections;
- Worryingly, 18% said that they would consider counterfeit candles and over the counter medication is considered by 8%;
- 87% of those who have purchased counterfeit goods spent £100 or less, only 3% spent over £250 and one individual spent over £3000;
- 25% purchased online and 7% via social media;
- 37% said they purchased as the counterfeit was cheaper and 35% said that the genuine products were out of budget/too expensive;
- 37% of those who have purchased counterfeit goods experienced issues with 27% citing poor quality, 21% said items broke or tore quickly and 2% had health reactions;
- Of those who have never purchased counterfeit goods, 60% say it is because they are worried about harmful effects, 53% were worried about fire/electrocution and 50% will not buy counterfeits due to poor working conditions in production;
- Only 4% of all respondents have actually reported someone for selling counterfeit goods.
Sentencing will take place on 24th June.