NFCU operation leads to arrest over suspected £500,000 of counterfeit wine
Food Standards Agency (FSA) and National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) officers attended an address in Essex on Thursday 20 August, supported by the Metropolitan Police Service who arrested one suspect.
Image of wine bottles stored in a wooden rack.
A 34-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, linked to the supply of suspected counterfeit wine.
The male has been bailed and enquiries continue.
Suspected counterfeit wine was sold to an unsuspecting victim – 55 bottles, at nearly £10,000 per bottle, to the sum of over half a million pounds.
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.
“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.”