Four men have been arrested and thousands of counterfeit items seized following the conclusion of an eight-month investigation by the RCMP’s Federal Enforcement Section.

On July 16, members of the Cornwall Community Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency and three RCMP detachments executed search warrants on businesses in Cornwall and Brockville, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of counterfeit designer goods.

Three Cornwall men in their 30s as well as a 41-year-old Brockville man are facing charges under the Copyright Act and the Criminal Code for their role in the sale and distribution of counterfeit clothing, jewellery, sunglasses, and other accessories in their area’s major mall.

Products bearing the name Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Versace, Gucci were among the items seized. Counterfeit clothing and accessories with Major League Baseball and NHL logos were also seized. The loss to legitimate copyright holders is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

The Cornwall residents will appear in Cornwall court on September 29, 2008 and the Brockville resident will appear in Brockville court on September 19, 2008.

“The nature of the counterfeit goods trade has changed,” said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP’s Cornwall Detachment. “Previously consumers would knowingly purchase counterfeit clothing, video recordings or luxury items such as designer watches and purses at flea markets. Now consumers often do not realize that the goods are counterfeit.” Additional information and tips on identifying counterfeit products can be found on the RCMP’s website at www.rcmp.ca