HERMÈS dismantle international crime ring producing counterfeits of its bags

Luxury giants HERMÈS has announced an international crime ring producing counterfeit versions of its bags has been dismantled by French police. The brand house said that several members of Hermès staff had been dismissed following the investigation, but has not confirmed whether they were among the 12 people arrested in connection with the fraud last week.

"This operation concludes a one-year investigation following an Hermès complaint based on clues and abnormal behaviour identified through the house's internal monitoring systems," the company told WWD. "Hermès is very satisfied with the efficient and diligent collaboration established with the national gendarmerie in this case and reiterates its relentless commitment to fighting counterfeiting. This action puts an end to the fraudulent project in progress."

It is thought that the bags were sold through a parallel distribution network in Europe, the US and Asia, but made in France - after police discovered a series of workshops filled with precious leather skins in Paris last week. The Paris public prosecutor estimated the value of sales by one branch of the ring at €18 million.

"Eighty per cent of objects sold on the internet under the Hermès name are fakes," Hermès chief executive officer Patrick Thomas told WWD  in a recent interview. "It's an absolute disgrace."

Both Hermès and British label Burberry were recently awarded £63 million ($100 million) each by a Manhattan court as compensation from Chinese counterfeiters who had profited from reproducing their trademarks illegally.


The luxury brand have recently come under fire (forgive the pun) for allegedly burning their iconic un wanted bags.


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