BY KELLY ROCHE
A Mississauga man is facing charges following the seizure of $2.5 million worth of counterfeit goods — including items as common as a Magic Bullet Blender.
“The blender could be sitting in your kitchen and the next thing you know is that it catches fire overnight,” said Toronto Police Det. Rob Whalen during news conference at police headquarters Friday.
Search warrants executed by Toronto Police on Dec. 2 and Dec. 5 resulted in three locations being targeted, with police seizing 16 property trucks of evidence and $5,500 in proceeds of crime.
Police say they’ve been receiving complaints from people who bought products which overheating or were of poor quality.
The investigation, dubbed project Lucky Chan, started last month after officers were notified about makeup causing skin irritation.
“We sent samples to various manufacturers who were quick to indicate it was not their products and they were all counterfeit,” Whalen said.
“While we were looking to see who was importing the products into Canada, we got complaints of electronic appliances overheating and batteries smoking. It turns out it was the same supplier.”
Merchandise was allegedly traced to Lucky’s Import and Wholesale in Etobicoke at 1607 The Queensway, Beach GLO on Queen St. E., and Jazz Casuals on Yonge St.
Products range from electronic equipment to children’s toys and metal signs.
Hock Chan, 46, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime; possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking; fraud over $5,000; passing off wares.
Two more suspects are facing immigration-related charges, say police.
Anyone with information is asked to phone 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers 416-222-8477.
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