Australian trio arrested for selling $10.7m in knock-offs online

A purple Lamborghini was among an expensive trove seized by police from three men who built a AU$10 million (NZZ$10.7 million) empire selling fake merchandise on social media.

The counterfeit luxury goods sold included everything from Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags.

Police raided the homes of the accused on Wednesday seizing nine cars including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes AMG worth a combined value of about AU$3 million (NZ$3.2 milion).

They also confiscated more than 500 counterfeit luxury items such as handbags and watches, more than AU$250,000 (NZ$269,802) in cash, and a gel blaster firearm.

The group moved about AU$9.75 million (NZ$10.5 million) in profit through various bank accounts, investigators claimed.

Three men were arrested – a 30-year-old in Fairfield East, a 33-year-old in Merrylands and a 30-year-old in Guildford - after search warrants were executed under Strike Force Alcova.

They were taken into custody and charged with various offences including recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.

All three men were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday.

Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said these arrests send a clear message to organised crime syndicates.

"Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods," he said.

"This kind of organised crime will not go unchecked."

The assets are under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, said Executive Director Bennett.

"We've commenced proceedings to recover millions of dollars, with the aim of returning that money to the people of New South Wales," he said.

"It's a strong result for law enforcement and a good day for NSW taxpayers."