Counterfeit handbags designed by Louis Vuitton and Chanel sit on shelves of a secret room of a store at Karama Market in Dubai. Andrew Henderson / The National
Counterfeit handbags designed by Louis Vuitton and Chanel sit on shelves of a secret room of a store at Karama Market in Dubai. Andrew Henderson / The National

Fake trainers and luxury bags among Dh1 billion worth of goods seized in Dubai



More than Dh1 billion worth of counterfeit goods were seized in Dubai last year as the authorities battle against vendors they say damage the luxury and sporting goods industry.

The city's consumer protection department said about 26 million items were seized during 2017.

Shoes accounted for 37 per cent of the total value, while bags and other leather products were next at 337,212 pieces worth Dh72.1 million.

The Department of Economic Development also confiscated 2.2m cigarettes worth Dh338.7m, and 5.9m cosmetics items worth Dh61.3m.

Ibrahim Behzad, director of intellectual property rights management at the department, said fake goods can be faulty and risk lives.

The global trade in counterfeit goods is widely linked to organised crime and terrorism, according to the United Nations, providing much-needed income for criminal groups.

In 2016, Dh1.1bn worth of goods were also seized.

Also on Tuesday, Dubai dealership Al Futtaim Toyota said it and the Dubai authorities had confiscated fake car parts worth Dh4.2m in the first two months of 2018.

The eight raids were executed across Al Ain, Umm al Quwain and Dubai.

Saud Abbasi, managing director of Al Futtaim Toyota, said: “The dangers accompanying the use of counterfeit car parts are massive. These parts are not produced by certified manufacturers and do not meet the standards of safety and quality set by manufacturers. Using these fake parts not only puts the driver at risk, but also their families and the public. We implore the public to always opt for original and high-quality parts from authorised dealers.”

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UAE shoppers continue to buy fake goods despite terrorism link

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