As part of its Project Genesius initiative, which was launched two years ago to combat the illegal use of printing equipment, the Met introduced a voluntary code of conduct asking companies that sell printers, stamps, hot foil and other specialist equipment to sign.

The code requires suppliers to carry out greater levels of due diligence when selling machines that could be used for counterfeiting purposes.

To date, the Met says that fewer than 100 companies have signed up for the code, but it estimates there are somewhere in the region of 5,000-10,000 suppliers to whom the code is applicable.

At a briefing at New Scotland Yard yesterday (26 January), detective chief inspector Nick Downing warned if more companies did not sign up to the code, there was a strong possibility that new legislation governing sales of this type of equipment could be introduced.

"So far, 90 printing and stamp industry members have signed up to our voluntary code of conduct, but we need more," said Downing.

"There are potentially thousands of companies, small, medium and large, that sell these products. We already have a good relationship with the industry and need more companies to join us."

Since its inception, Project Genesius has resulted in the disruption of 14 criminal networks, the seizure of hundreds of printers and other specialist equipment, as well as the recovery of more than 30,000 false identities.

Manufacturers and suppliers of printing equipment who would like to find out more about Project Genesius should contact operationmaxim@met.pnn.police.uk.