How your money helps fund organised crime

The money you spend on fake and illegal goods including fake football shirts, handbags or cheap make-up can go to organised crime gangs. They can use this money to fund drug dealing, fraud and extortion. These activities in your area bring harm to you, your family and your community.

The money chain

You may think there is no harm in buying fake or illegal goods locally or online. It might seem to save you money. But the money chain doesn't end there.

Your money goes to the person who sources these goods. They can pass this to organised crime gangs to help fund illegal activity, including paying for drugs.

These drugs can then be sold in your area bringing crime and antisocial behaviour to your community.

Your money can easily end up funding organised crime that brings harm to you, your family and your community.

Organised crime

Organised crime involves a group of people involved in serious criminal activities, to make large profits. They use violence or the threat of violence. In Northern Ireland, organised crime groups might have paramilitary connections.

Report the sale of fake and illegal goods

If you suspect any criminal activity, including selling fake and illegal goods, you should help end the harm by reporting the incident. You can report a crime anonymously:

Organised Crime Task Force

The Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) allows law enforcement agencies to work with government bodies and private industry to fight organised crime.

To read more about their work, go to:

More useful links

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