CNE raid collects $1M worth of counterfeit goods

An estimated $1 million worth of counterfeit goods was seized from the CNE grounds by Toronto police on Friday.  

Three booths at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Direct Energy Centre were raided by about 15 officers from the financial crimes unit, charging two owners and seeking a third. 

Fakes of Luxury brands like Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada and Rolex were found for sale at the vendors. Ray Ban, ERA baseball caps and other brands were found as well.

[IMAGEGALLERY galleryid=4970 size=small]  

Police worked with a counterfeit goods expert Lorne Lipkus, who is trained to tell the difference between authentic and counterfeit goods, to spot the items. The raid happened after CBC News brought some items to police earlier this week to assess their authenticity.

If CNE visitors suspect they've purchased a counterfeit item, there's a chance to get a refund if a credit card was used. Lipkus says to call the anti-fraud centre, which then liaises with the credit card company to arrange a refund.

On top of that, if the investigation confirms that a vendor was selling fake goods, its electronic billing privileges are revoked.

This is the second post-cronut burger controversy to hit the fair. Earlier this week, two more food vendors, Bourbon St Grill and Bao Shanghai, were shut down by food inspectors for health violations.

The cronut burger, a much-lauded hamburger with a croissant-donut bun, caused more than 230 reports of food illness with bacteria in its maple bacon jam topping.

The CNE closes on Monday.