| Abstract: |
Seizures of counterfeit alcohol by UK trading standards authorities have soared fivefold over five years, according to figures to be published later this week. The statistics show that international criminal gangs are helping to fuel consumer demand for cheap drink. Counterfeit alcohol now accounts for 73% of all investigations by UK trading standards authorities (up from 51% in 2009-10), despite the risks of death and blindness from toxic and industrial solvents in fake spirits, which are typically bottled and packaged to resemble well-known brands but sold for a fraction of the price. The findings will be presented on Wednesday at an intellectual property summit in London, which aims to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement, food and drug agencies and private companies so that they can identify and crack down on counterfeit activity, which is not only illegal but increasingly a risk to public health. The event, which will be attended by 300 representatives of 30 different countries, also aims to raise awareness of the sophisticated criminal networks at work. |
