Four sentenced for multi-million pound counterfeit goods, benefit and insurance fraud

Four people have been sentenced following an investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) that exposed a counterfeit designer goods operation, benefit fraud, and a fraudulent insurance claim.

The investigation centred on Megan Carney-Borrowman, her husband Jordan Borrowman, her mother Sandra Carney and associate Adam Yaffe.

The case began after brand protection representatives for Chanel and Stone Island reported concerns to police following test purchases made from an Instagram account linked to counterfeit designer goods.

Search warrants carried out in November 2022 at addresses linked to the group uncovered large quantities of counterfeit designer clothing, footwear and accessories. Officers also seized business records and customer returns. During a subsequent search, officers recovered £158,000 in cash concealed within a child's bedroom.

Further enquiries revealed a substantial online business operating through Instagram and WhatsApp groups, selling counterfeit luxury goods to customers across the UK. Financial investigations showed business accounts had received more than £4.3 million between 2019 and 2023.

Investigators established that Megan Carney-Borrowman played a leading role in the operation, while Jordan Borrowman, Sandra Carney and Adam Yaffe each played a part in supporting and facilitating the criminal enterprise.

As the investigation progressed, officers identified concerns regarding benefit claims being made by Megan Carney-Borrowman. Working alongside the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), investigators found significant assets, income and changes in personal circumstances had not been declared while benefits were being claimed.

The DWP calculated that the offending resulted in approximately £73,000 in overpaid benefits.

A further strand of the investigation uncovered a fraudulent insurance claim relating to a Rolex watch reported as lost in 2021. An insurer subsequently paid out around £8,000.

However, during a search warrant executed in March 2024, officers recovered the same Rolex watch from Megan Carney-Borrowman. The serial number matched the watch that had been reported lost and for which compensation had already been paid.

Detective Inspector Adam Williams of the NWROCU, said:

"This was a sophisticated and long-running trademarks and money laundering offence which generated significant profits through the sale of counterfeit designer goods while simultaneously exploiting public funds and defrauding an insurance company.

"The defendants went to considerable lengths to disguise their offending, but detailed financial investigation and partnership working enabled us to uncover the full extent of their criminality.

"Counterfeit goods are far from a victimless crime. The proceeds often support wider organised criminality, while consumers are deceived into purchasing products they believe to be genuine.

"This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing offenders who seek to profit through fraud and protecting both businesses and the public from financial harm."

Sentences:

Megan Carney-Borrowman, 35, of Birdling Drive, Southport

• Conspiracy to contravene section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 
• Conspiracy to acquire criminal property
• Conspiracy to defraud
• Benefit fraud offences
• Sentenced to four years and 3 months' imprisonment.

Jordan Borrowman, 35, of Birdling Drive, Southport

• Conspiracy to contravene section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 
• Conspiracy to acquire criminal property 
• benefit fraud offences
• Sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Sandra Carney, 65, of Court Road, Southport

• Conspiracy to contravene section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 
• Conspiracy to acquire criminal property 
• Aid and abet fraud
• Conspiracy to defraud 
• Sentenced to two years suspended for 18 months with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Adam Yaffe, 54, of Gateford Way, Southport

• Conspiracy to contravene section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 
• Conspiracy to acquire criminal property
• Sentenced to a community order for 18 months and 120 hours of unpaid work.