SHOPPERS who buy counterfeit goods are funding organised crime and paramilitaries, the justice minister has said.
It has been estimated there are more than 130 organised crime groups selling fake goods which are potentially dangerous to customers and proceeds of which are also funding criminal activity.
Speaking at the launch of a new campaign entitled 'End the Harm', Claire Sugden said: "We need everyone's support to tackle the scourge of organised crime.
"If you buy even one counterfeit top, or one bottle of fake perfume, you are unwittingly funding the work of organised crime groups.
"The campaign is part of the Executive’s much wider drive to rid Northern Ireland of the scourge of paramilitarism.
"People in Northern Ireland need to make a choice; turn a blind eye to criminality or take a stand and say no to those who are set on inflicting harm on our communities."
