A pattern of the counterfeit Apple merchandise seized within the raid — picture credit score: An Garda Sachna
Studies of counterfeiting in County Mayo, western Eire, have led native police to grab greater than 800 counterfeit units, together with AirPods, from companies within the space.
In response to native radio station Newstalk, the seized counterfeits have been value an estimated $173,904. In addition to AirPods, they included numerous iPhone equipment,
The counterfeits have been seized over Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18, 2024. Police raided companies throughout Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe and Claremorris
It was a multi-agency operation, centered on the native police crime unit that covers the counties of Mayo, Roscommon, and Longford. The investigation additionally used the Garda Nationwide Immigration Bureau, the Nationwide Bureau of Prison Investigation Income, Office Relations Fee, and the Social Welfare Particular Investigations Unit.
A police spokesperson estimated that general, mental property crime comparable to these counterfeit merchandise prices the EU financial system over 85 billion Euro ($92.4 billion) per yr.
No arrests have but been made, however the police investigation is ongoing.
This case in Eire follows one in Could 2024 the place comparable counterfeits value $750,000 have been seized in raids in Northern Eire.