The investigation into Terrence Riefe’s massive counterfeiting conspiracy was begun by the National Crime Squad, which this year was incorporated into the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca).

The new agency, described as Britain’s answer to the FBI, has widespread powers of surveillance and intelligence-gathering and likes to keep its activities secret.

It works closely with the recently established Serious Organised Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service.

CPS lawyers advised the investigators throughout the case and once the evidence was gathered steered it successfully through the courts system.

Helen Hughes, the CPS lawyer leading the case, was pleased that so many of the defendants pleaded guilty once they had been confronted by the evidence.

The nature of that evidence gathering reveals a new vigour on the part of the authorities in combatting crime syndicates.

Riefe and his main conspirators were under surveillance for up to 18 months. The conspiracy was allowed to run in an attempt to catch as many participants as possible.

Covert searches of the main printing locations were carried out. Officers entered the buildings at night and took photographs and video footage of machinery in place and discarded print runs in the waste bins.

Several of the main players were placed under surveillance as they went about their business. In November last year, listening devices were hidden in Cleve Studios, the forgers’ main workshop, and hours of audio material was captured.

Unlike telephone intercept evidence, the audio surveillance material is admissible in court.

Its existence undoubtedly convinced some defendants to admit their guilt.

The legal battle is not yet finished. Lawyers and investigators have begun the hunt for the proceeds of the counterfeiting operation.

Miss Hughes said: “Sentencing is not the end of the matter. We have frozen their assets and we will now seek to confiscate them.

“This may have seemed an easy way to make money, but for these individuals there will be no profit from this crime.”

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