Fake Bradman plaques discovered by Australian police
Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized illegal memorabilia bearing signatures by Sir Donald Bradman, Customs Minister Amanda Vanstone said.
"Twenty-six cricket bats and 29 wall plaques, many incorporating photographs of 'The Don' that had not been authorised or endorsed by the Australian cricket icon have been retrieved," Senator Vanstone told reporters.
The latest incident follows the arrest of a Canberra man in September for selling bats allegedly endorsed by Bradman.
The signatures were obtained by mail from Bradman who did not know they would be used for commercial purposes.
The spokesman said the memorabilia was being sold over the Internet, and in retail outlets.
He said police were first alerted to the scam after a complaint from a man who purchased one of the unauthorised items in Canberra.
The memorabilia was being offered for thousands of dollars in some cases.
Senator Vanstone said the use of Bradman's signature had not been authorised by the Bradman foundation, and Australians would be offended that a national icon's name had been used illegally.
Police said one man was being questioned and the investigation was ongoing.
Mail Cricket Editor
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