Dutch financial fraud unit FIOD discovered over ten thousand pairs of fake Nike trainers in three warehouses and a shipping container near Alphen aan de Rijn in Zuid-Holland on Thursday, following the arrest of a 37 year-old man.

The FIOD, which is conducting a criminal investigation into the illegal trade in fake shoes and clothing, also searched a house near Alphen aan de Rijn and confiscated documents and a car.

The man was arrested while was making a delivery. He is thought to be part of a gang that has been active for a number of years.

Brand shoes, clothing, bags, watches, perfumes, CDs and DVDs are among the most copied products and trading in them is strictly illegal. Buying a fake item abroad and bringing it back for personal use is allowed, however.

The Nike trainers will be destroyed, FIOD officials said.