On 3 March, a 61-year-old male was arrested for conspiracy to defraud in connection to the importation and distribution of counterfeit and misrepresented wine and prosecco.
Officers at the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) dedicated law enforcement arm, alongside Metropolitan Police, have seized 90 pallets of wine and prosecco from three warehouses across North London and Essex.
The pallets held more than 67,000 bottles and are estimated to be worth as much as £500,000. The 61-year-old has been released under investigation, and enquiries remain ongoing.
The operation brought together multiple partners across law enforcement, local authorities and trading standards, including the Met Police and their North Regional Organised Crime Unit Gangs Partnership and Safer Neighbourhood Team, Enfield Local Authority and Trading Standards, Epping Forest District Council, Essex Trading Standards, and the FSA’s Wine Inspection Team.
The FSA says there is no suggestion the product poses a health risk, but if you have concerns to raise them with your local Trading Standards.
“Seizing over 67,000 bottles of counterfeit product and making an arrest sends a strong message to those who seek to profit from deceiving consumers - we will take action,” commented Andrew Quinn, head of the FSA’s national food crime unit.
“This operation is a clear example of what we can achieve when agencies work together with a shared purpose. I want to thank all partners involved in this operation for their professionalism and commitment throughout.
“Food fraud is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses and erodes consumer trust. In this case, the concern is one of authenticity and quality - consumers deserve to know that what they are buying is exactly what it claims to be. The NFCU remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that criminal activity has no place in the UK food system.”
If you suspect food fraud, it can be reported to Food Crime Confidential, here.
