Key Points
- Thousands of pounds’ worth of counterfeit goods seized during a targeted inspection at a storage facility in Barking.
- Inspection carried out on Tuesday, December 16, by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards officers.
- Haul included fake Oral-B toothbrush heads, Samsung batteries, Apple-branded products, and counterfeit SanDisk and Kingston SD cards.
- All seized items pose significant safety risks to consumers.
- Inspection supported by brand representatives from Procter & Gamble, whose intelligence and evidence formed the basis for enforcement action.
- Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, stated: “Selling counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. These products can be dangerous, and the trade in fakes often funds organised crime and exploitation.”
- Further investigations are ongoing.
- Council pledges to continue working with brand owners and enforcement partners to protect consumers and keep unsafe goods out of the borough.
- Cllr Ghani emphasised ongoing collaboration to safeguard the community.
Barking, Barking and Dagenham (East London Times) December 16, 2025 – Trading Standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council seized thousands of pounds’ worth of counterfeit goods during a targeted inspection at a storage facility in Barking on Tuesday, December 16. The haul comprised fake Oral-B toothbrush heads, Samsung batteries, Apple-branded products, and counterfeit SanDisk and Kingston SD cards, all identified as posing significant safety risks to consumers. The operation, supported by brand representatives from Procter & Gamble, underscores the council’s commitment to tackling illicit trade in the borough.
What Happened During the Inspection?
The inspection took place at a storage facility in Barking, where Trading Standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council uncovered a substantial quantity of counterfeit items. These goods, valued at thousands of pounds, included fake Oral-B toothbrush heads, Samsung batteries, Apple-branded products, and counterfeit SanDisk and Kingston SD cards. As per the council’s official statement, the items were discovered during a targeted enforcement action prompted by intelligence from brand owners.
Procter & Gamble representatives provided critical intelligence and evidence that formed the basis for this operation. Their involvement highlights the collaborative approach between local authorities and legitimate brand holders in combating counterfeit trade. The seized products represent a clear danger to public health and safety, with substandard manufacturing potentially leading to malfunctions or hazards for unsuspecting buyers.
No arrests were reported at the scene, but further investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and identify those responsible for distributing these fakes. Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team acted swiftly on the leads provided, ensuring the goods were removed from circulation before reaching consumers.
Why Do Counterfeit Goods Pose Safety Risks?
Counterfeit products like those seized often fail to meet regulatory standards, introducing serious risks to users. Fake Oral-B toothbrush heads, for instance, may harbour bacteria or break during use, leading to oral injuries or infections. Samsung batteries and Apple-branded items could overheat, explode, or cause electrical faults, endangering lives and property.
SanDisk and Kingston SD cards, notorious in counterfeit markets, frequently suffer from data corruption, slow performance, or complete failure, resulting in lost information for consumers. As Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, remarked:
“Selling counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. These products can be dangerous, and the trade in fakes often funds organised crime and exploitation.”
The broader implications extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Revenue from counterfeit sales deprives legitimate businesses of income and supports illicit networks involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other crimes. Trading Standards officers emphasise that such goods undermine consumer trust and economic stability in the borough.
Who Is Involved in the Crackdown?
Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards officers led the inspection, demonstrating their proactive role in consumer protection. Support came from Procter & Gamble brand representatives, whose intelligence was pivotal in initiating the raid. This partnership exemplifies how public-private collaboration targets counterfeit operations effectively.
Councillor Syed Ghani has been vocal in supporting these efforts. He stated that the council will continue to work with brand owners and enforcement partners to protect consumers and keep unsafe goods out of the borough. His comments reflect a strategic, long-term approach to enforcement in Barking and Dagenham.
Local residents and businesses stand to benefit directly from these actions. By removing hazardous fakes from storage, authorities prevent their entry into shops, markets, and online sales channels frequented by East London communities.
What Did Councillor Ghani Say About the Seizure?
As reported in the council’s statement, Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said:
“Selling counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. These products can be dangerous, and the trade in fakes often funds organised crime and exploitation.”
He further affirmed the council’s resolve, noting they will persist in partnering with stakeholders to shield residents.
Cllr Ghani’s remarks highlight the multifaceted harm of counterfeiting, from physical dangers to links with serious crime. His position as cabinet member positions him at the forefront of policy decisions shaping enforcement priorities. These statements, issued post-inspection, aim to reassure the public while signalling zero tolerance for illicit trade.
How Was the Inspection Supported by Brands?
Brand representatives from Procter & Gamble played a key role, supplying intelligence and evidence that justified the targeted inspection. Oral-B, a Procter & Gamble brand, was directly affected, with fake toothbrush heads among the seized items. This involvement allowed Trading Standards to act decisively, preventing wider distribution.
Such collaborations are standard in anti-counterfeiting efforts, where manufacturers monitor markets and report anomalies. Procter & Gamble’s contribution ensured the operation’s success, aligning corporate vigilance with local authority powers.
What Are the Next Steps in the Investigation?
Further investigations are ongoing, as confirmed by Barking and Dagenham Council. Trading Standards officers will likely examine supply chains, financial trails, and potential distribution networks linked to the storage facility. This phase aims to dismantle the operation at its source.
Councillor Syed Ghani reiterated the council’s commitment: they will continue to work with brand owners and enforcement partners. Potential outcomes include prosecutions, additional seizures, and enhanced monitoring of similar sites in the borough.
Why Is Barking a Target for Counterfeit Trade?
Barking’s strategic location in East London, with excellent transport links and industrial storage facilities, makes it attractive for illicit storage. Proximity to major ports and markets facilitates quick movement of goods. However, council vigilance, as shown on December 16, disrupts these activities.
The borough’s diverse population and bustling economy provide a consumer base for cheap fakes, but awareness campaigns and enforcement deter sellers. This seizure serves as a warning to operators exploiting the area’s infrastructure.
What Impact Does This Have on Consumers?
Consumers face direct risks from counterfeit goods, including health hazards and financial losses. Purchasing fakes often means paying for inferior products that fail prematurely. Barking and Dagenham Council’s actions protect wallets and wellbeing.
Educating shoppers to buy from reputable sources remains crucial. Trading Standards urges vigilance against suspiciously low prices on branded items like those seized.
How Does the Council Plan to Prevent Future Seizures?
Cllr Ghani outlined a proactive strategy: continued collaboration with brand owners and partners. This includes intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and public reporting hotlines. Regular inspections of storage and retail sites will intensify.
By addressing root causes, the council aims to reduce counterfeit prevalence. Residents are encouraged to report suspicions, fostering community involvement in safety efforts.
Broader Context of Counterfeit Crackdowns in East London
This incident aligns with regional trends, where councils tackle fakes amid rising online sales. Barking and Dagenham’s success builds on prior operations, reinforcing East London’s stance against illicit trade. National bodies like the National Trading Standards Board support such local initiatives.
The December 16 operation not only removed dangerous goods but also gathered evidence for wider impact. As investigations progress, updates will clarify prosecutions and recovered funds.
