A network of counterfeit luxury goods dismantled: twenty-one people investigated in a major inquiry coordinated by the Florence District Anti-Mafia Directorate. A million-dollar business revolving around the counterfeiting of luxury clothing and accessories, especially handbags. The items were produced and marketed thanks to a large network that cooperated in counterfeiting through two companies/safe deposit boxes based in Dubai and Hong Kong (as reported by the daily newspaper La Nazione). Investigators followed the money, shining a spotlight on other holding companies involved around the world and on individuals of various nationalities.
Strategic center in Florence
The investigations, coordinated by Public Prosecutor Beatrice Giunti, shed light on a system of manufacturing and trading counterfeit luxury goods that had its focal point in the Florentine manufacturing district. A total of 3,200 fake handbags were confiscated during searches by the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Financial Police) in warehouses, workshops, and stores in Florence. According to La Nazione, the accessories were “produced using sophisticated counterfeiting techniques that made them almost identical to the originals”. In addition to designer handbags, the Guardia di Finanza also seized “€500 shoes, clothing, and other accessories”. Most of the items were of Chinese origin and passed through Italy, bypassing the usual distribution channels.
The management
At the center of the illegal organization was a key figure who, according to the prosecution, held the reins of the entire network. A sort of “super manager”, referred to as G.P., an intermediary already known in the high fashion sector, who presented himself as the official distributor of the Kering group during business meetings. While the review of the seizures is scheduled for next week, one of the suspects—the head of a company based in southern Italy—has filed a complaint against the alleged manager, claiming that he was not an accomplice but a victim of fraud. His company had in fact purchased a batch of 800 Saint Lauren brand bags from him.
Read also:
