Some of the items that were seized
Suspected fake Apple products representing an estimated loss of revenue of €160,000 have been seized in Co Mayo as part of an inter-agency operation targeting intellectual property crime.
Earlier this week, gardaí carried out a two-day search operation in the Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe and Claremorris areas.
A number of business premises were searched as part of this operation and more than 800 suspected counterfeit items were seized.
Gardaí said these items were fake Apple products (subject to examination) with an estimated loss of revenue of €160,000.
“No arrests have been made at this time and investigations are ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson added.
The operation was conducted by Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Crime Unit, Mayo South Community Engagement, Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Intellectual Property Crime Investigation Unit of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI).
They were backed up by Revenue Customs, Workplace Relations Commission and the Social Welfare Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
According to gardaí, Intellectual Property Crime (IPC) is estimated to cost the EU economy over €85 billion per year and can pose serious risks to public health, safety and job security.
