MANASSAS, Va. -- Prince William County police confiscated thousands of dollars in counterfeit handbags, clothing and accessories from a store at the Manassas Mall Thursday morning.
Officers also arrested 35-year-old Taoufik Lamharhar, the owner of the raided store, LFA (Luxury Fashion Accessories), News4's Julie Carey reported.
Earlier this month, an undercover officer bought four handbags bearing designer names like Gucci for less than $200, police said. When the officer asked the clerk if the bags were fake, she admitted they were.
"They had a sign posted that advertised the fact that these are not authentic items and that's why they're being sold at such reduced prices compared to legitimate sales," said Lt. Bryan Simms, of Prince William County police.
Admitting up front that the items are fake doesn't spare Lamharhar from prosecution, police said, because the knock-offs hurt designers and retailers selling the authentic items.
"They're taking their business away by selling the items for such a reduced price," Simms said.
