A massive seizure of 10,488 pairs of counterfeit Hermès shoes, which are estimated to have generated approximately €50,000 in profits for the criminal organization and caused economic damages of over €8 million to the French fashion house. Following an inspection at a store in Rome, the Guardia di Finanza traced the supply chain back to a warehouse in Guidonia Montecelio where the shoes were stored. Authorities charged the owner of the warehouse and the store with the crimes of receiving stolen goods, importing counterfeit goods into the country, and trading in products bearing counterfeit trademarks.
The investigation
In Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, the Guardia di Finanza conducted an inspection in a store, according to reports, where they found counterfeit shoes from several high-end fashion brands. The products were seized, and, as Roma Today reports, an investigation was launched to trace the supplier of the fake footwear. The investigation led to the discovery of a clandestine warehouse located in Guidonia Montecelio. There, officers from the Rome Provincial Command seized 10,488 pairs of shoes bearing the counterfeit Hermès logo.
Market value
If the counterfeit products had reached the market, they would have generated approximately €50,000 in revenue. However, they would have caused Hermès economic damages of over €8 million, calculated based on the value of the original products. A complaint has been filed against the company’s legal representative, who is linked to both the retail location and the warehouse. Meanwhile, investigations are continuing to verify the production site of the counterfeit shoes and any other leads related to the case in question.
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