FSA and NFCU officers attended an address in Essex on 20 August alongside the Metropolitan Police , where they arrested a suspect.
It has now been revealed that a 34-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of fraud by false representation, linked to the supply of suspected counterfeit wine.
The man has since been bailed and the NFCU says its inquiries are ongoing.
The arrest was made after a victim allegedly purchased 55 bottles of suspected counterfeit wine for nearly £10,000 a bottle, totalling more than £500,000.
Simon Ashwin, senior investigator at the FSA’s NFCU, said: “There’s no excuse for this type of food crime. People expect to get what they pay for, not a possible fake bottle of wine.
“Food fraud is not a victimless offence. It can cause significant financial and reputational harm to legitimate businesses who fall victim to fraudsters.
He added: “We encourage businesses to check their suppliers and do their due diligence to help ensure the products they buy are legitimate.
“We continue to work with police and partners to help prevent food crime and track down food fraudsters, so businesses and consumers are protected.”
This operation marks the latest in a string of high-profile food and drink fraud cases in the UK, including one involving one of the UK’s largest kebab manufacturers, which was fined £500,000 for misleading customers by selling meat that was primarily made up of skin and fat.
Earlier this month, the NFCU was involved in another major operation in which officers seized more than 33 tonnes of suspected illegal food products across England, Wales and Scotland.
In a further indication of the serious authenticity issues facing the industry, a joint investigation by the NFCU and Dudley Council in the West Midlands this summer resulted in four arrests and the disposal of 4.25 metric tonnes of illegal meat.
