The operations were closed after a two-year criminal investigation by brand protection company Surelock Global Investigators & Security Consultants and TRAP. The accused perpetrators in the case were illegally using registered trademarks of leading music artists, bands and sports teams to create various apparel. Those responsible for the operation were prosecuted in a case brought by West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

Surelock’s team spent months investigating gangs to identify their operations. Based on their efforts, six people have been arrested so far as part of the process. Following their prosecution, the gang members’ properties, vehicles and other goods bought via proceeds from the illegal operation will contribute to the Proceeds of Crime awards brought against them.

“We are grateful to Surelock and West Yorkshire Trading Standards for their hard work and professionalism,” says Trevor Jones, TRAP. “TRAP will continue its work spreading awareness and building anti-piracy alliances to ensure that this sort of crime doesn’t pay.”

Apparel using imagery and logos of major names such as Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, The Rolling Stones and Nirvana generated global counterfeit sales of more than £470,000 from operations over a five-year period.