RCMP crash counterfeit purse party in Ontario

LONDON, ON - On November 6th, 2008 the London Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Federal Enforcement Section charged a London resident with fraud charges subsequent to the execution of a search warrant at a residence and the seizure of hundreds of counterfeit purses and jewelry. The purses are alleged to be imitations of famous designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Burberry, Kate Spade, Coach, Juicy Couture, and many others.

Katharine RICHARDS was arrested on November 2nd, 2008 at the scene and has been charged with fraud under the Criminal Code for her alleged role in the sale and distribution of the counterfeit goods. The RCMP is alleging that RICHARDS was in possession of hundreds of counterfeit purses and jewelry and that RICHARDS was selling these counterfeit goods at purse parties that she held in her residence under the business name Katie’s Unique Boutique.

“Purse parties are the newest trend in the counterfeit fashion trade, an industry that is running rampant worldwide. The sale of counterfeit goods is not only hurting the economy through loss of jobs and tax revenue but there is information linking such items to more serious issues such as child labor, drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism” stated Inspector Dwight Blok, Officer in Charge of RCMP London Detachment. “There is nothing wrong with having a purse party as long as the merchandise being sold does not have designer logos - but when you purchase a counterfeit purse, you become part of the cycle of counterfeiting and your money directly supports things you would never want to support”.

Katharine RICHARDS is scheduled to appearance in court in London on

November 21st, 2008.