A man and a woman have been arrested in Ballymena, County Antrim as part of investigations into counterfeit car products.

During searches at various locations this morning, 21 August, two cars were seized as well as an amount of counterfeit vehicle merchandise. The cars seized were a Porsche and a BMW. Counterfeit products for brands such as Porsche, BMW, Audi and Mercedes were also found and included key fobs, badges and wheel caps.

A 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Ballymena police station for questioning.

Detective Inspector Todd Clements from Organised Crime Branch said: "Following a complaint from a car manufacturer, police have searched properties in Ballymena, Portstewart and Belfast. Officers have seized a significant amount of what we believe are counterfeit car products being sold online in a business with a substantial turnover.

"As part of our restraint operation we have seized two high value cars belonging to the man and woman. We are also in the process of obtaining restraint orders on a house in the Galgorm area of Ballymena and two properties in Portstewart and a number of bank accounts.

"The market for car products linked to prestige brands runs into millions of pounds. Those who seek to subvert this market by making and selling counterfeit products are jeopardising jobs and reducing company profits. But, most importantly, they are taking money out of the legitimate economy and in doing so are reducing the money available to the Exchequer through tax revenue to provide our communities with roads, schools and hospitals."

(IT/CD)