Derry's Christmas bargain hunters warned about the link between counterfeit goods and crime gangs

People in Derry have been warned they could be helping to fund organised crime gangs if they buy counterfeit goods this Christmas.

A new campaign entitled “I Am Your Money” has been launched by the Northern Ireland Executive which challenges people to stop buying counterfeit goods and report any information to the PSNI or Crimestoppers.

The campaign focuses on the “money chain” between the seemingly harmless act of buying counterfeit goods, and the link to funding serious organised crime gangs.

It was developed as a direct result of the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment within the Fresh Start Agreement, and subsequent action plan, to tackle paramilitary activity and associated criminality, and is the first step in a number of actions which will be taken in the future to tackle this serious issue.

It is estimated there are currently 138 organised crime groups operating within Northern Ireland who engage in a range of criminal activities; from the supply of counterfeit goods, right through to drug dealing.

An Executive spokesperson said: “ “The campaign aims to demonstrate how purchasing counterfeit or illegal goods including makeup, toiletries, alcohol, car parts and toys, may seem to be a harmless, victimless activity, but in reality the purchase of such goods are not only funding criminal activity, but the goods themselves are also potentially harmful to those who use them.

“Research has shown that the public in Northern Ireland are often unaware of the link between the sale of counterfeit goods and how this can contribute to the funding of organised crime, so this new campaign aims to inform the public about where their money might end up, and asks them to help end the harm caused by organised crime by reconsidering their actions.

“If you want to help bring an end to the funding of organised crime through the sale of counterfeit goods, pledge your support at #EndTheHarmNI.”

Anyone with information on the sale of counterfeit goods or associated criminal activity is asked to contact the PSNI on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.