Because counterfeiting products is such a ready source of untraceable income, terrorist organisations are attracted to such activity.

The trade in fakes, especially CD's and pirate videos provides a much less risky source of income than robbery and extortion.

Of course criminal gangs are attracted to trading in fakes because of high profits and little risk. Those that specialise in smuggling and tax evasion such as distributing duty free goods also find a good living can be made out of trading in pirate products.

Since all criminals rarely specialise in any single activity drug smuggling, illegal immigration and counterfeiting are all linked.

Certainly those of us that think that buying fake products is OK should think again because it is impossible to separate the activities of these criminals to the extent that we can be certain we are not causing harm to others.

Sellers of 'Suspect Goods' have been around since trading began. After all who can resist a bargain? If you are attending a 'trade auction', flea market or a car boot sale be aware of the fact that most if not all branded products on sale will be fake or stolen. Since the Police often find it difficult to distinguish between fake goods and stolen goods you may find you are under investigation for 'possession' of stolen goods.

The most popular products on sale by Market Traders are footwear, clothing and CD's/Videos. However an increasing trend in the trading of counterfeit perfumes and personal care products as well as electrical goods has been identified.

The proceeds of other crimes are usually available in cash. It has become established practice to change this cash quickly into products that 'look' legitimate.

A warehouse full of fake watches is much less likely to draw the attention of than piles of cash.

Counterfeit goods are a useful means for criminals to turn 'hot' money into something less conspicuous and at the same time cover up their tracks.

We are all losers when we buy pirate products because we finance the lifestyles of criminals and terrorists who use the profits they make from selling counterfeit goods as seed money for more serious activities.