Kunle Bakare Tells Why You Should Never Buy Fake Designer Clothes, Shoes, Bags Or Sunglasses
Please, summon all the energy you can muster to stop buying counterfeit and imitation garments and accessories, no matter the temptation. You will be doing mankind and yourself a world of good. It is that simple and straightforward…
Why? When you stand tall and proud, stop living a lie and are confident enough to rock ethically, sustainable and authentic products you can afford, you help stop organised crime syndicates (whose activities jeopardise peace, welfare and wellbeing of humanity).
You also join the army of decent souls with good cheer who are promoting and patronising honest entrepreneurs striving and struggling to keep their heads ‘above water’, live well and pursue happiness.
It is not too much to ask!
From casual to formal garments, bags, shoes and sunglasses, buying these seemingly harmless items to save money and appear rich support illegal activities and threaten the world’s economy.
These fake designer products lead to financial losses to the authentic businesses, revenue for government through taxes, employment for struggling workers and more.
What’s more, the proceeds aid money laundering, human trafficking, child labour, drug trafficking, terrorism and all the dastardly activities linked to them.
By not thinking long and hard enough about the repercussion and multiplier effects of purchasing that fake bag, shoes, sunglasses, suit and dress, you contribute to some of the clear and present dangers we face today.
By stealing from the sweat of designers and genuine business persons, you become one of the unofficial members of the syndicates, aiding and abetting high crimes!
And remember, most countries are now arresting and prosecuting end users of fake and counterfeit goods. Why would you want to mortgage anything you hold dear for just wanting to ‘belong and oppress’?
Buying these fake and counterfeit apparels—largely produced in China, Turkey, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand and even our country (Nigeria)—is punishable with fines, confiscation, and imprisonment in many countries.
Here are a few cases of arrest and prosecution:
- In 2020, a woman in Ireland was fined €2,000 for possessing a fake Michael Kors handbag.
- In 2020, a woman in Poland was fined PLN 2,000 (approximately €450) for possessing a fake Gucci handbag.
- In 2020, a man in Netherlands was fined €2,500 for possessing a fake Rolex watch.
- In 2019, a woman in Italy was fined €1,000 for possessing a fake Louis Vuitton handbag.
- In 2019, a man in France was arrested for wearing a fake Rolex watch.
- In 2019, a man in Hungary was fined HUF 200,000 (approximately €600) for wearing a fake Armani jacket.
- In 2019, a woman in Norway was fined NOK 10,000 (approximately €1,000) for carrying a fake Louis Vuitton handbag.
- In 2018, a woman in the UK was fined £500 for carrying a fake Chanel handbag.
- In 2018, a man in Austria was fined €1,000 for wearing a fake Burberry scarf.
- In 2018, a woman in Portugal was fined €1,200 for carrying a fake Dolce & Gabbana handbag.
- In 2018, a man in Switzerland was fined CHF 5,000 (approximately €4,500) for wearing a fake Omega watch.
- In 2017, a woman in Belgium was fined €750 for carrying a fake Prada handbag.
- In 2017, a man in Sweden was fined SEK 10,000 (approximately €920) for wearing a fake Nike jacket.
- In 2017, a man in Croatia was fined HRK 5,000 (approximately €670) for possessing a fake Adidas tracksuit.
- In 2017, a woman in Romania was fined RON 5,000 (approximately €1,100) for possessing a fake Gucci handbag.
- In 2016, a woman in Spain was fined €1,000 for possessing a fake Gucci handbag.
- In 2016, a man in Germany was fined €500 for wearing a fake Adidas jacket.
- In 2016, a woman in Finland was fined €800 for possessing a fake Ralph Lauren polo shirt.
- In 2016, a woman in Bulgaria was fined BGN 1,000 (approximately €500) for possessing a fake Louis Vuitton handbag.
- In 2016, a man in Serbia was fined RSD 200,000 (approximately €1,700) for wearing a fake Adidas jacket.
- In 2015, a woman in Greece was fined €1,500 for possessing a fake Hermès handbag.
- In 2015, a woman in Denmark was fined DKK 5,000 (approximately €670) for possessing a fake Chanel handbag.
The most commonly counterfeited designer items are footwear, clothing, leather goods, watches, perfumes and jewelry. And luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Dior are among the most targeted by counterfeiters.
The rise of e-commerce has made it easier for counterfeiters to sell online, with many using social media platforms and online marketplaces to reach customers.
Counterfeiting statistics are alarming, with the value of counterfeit goods sold worldwide estimated to be between $1.7 trillion and $4.5 trillion. This figure makes counterfeiting the tenth largest economy, just above Canada’s total GDP and possibly the fourth largest above Germany. Counterfeiting is responsible for more 2.5 million lost jobs globally, with American shoppers tending to purchase the highest share of counterfeit goods at around 60 to 80 percent of all goods sold.
The temptation to buy fake designer goods may be high and harmless, but it perpetuates a vast and intricate web of organised crime, fueling human trafficking, money laundering, terrorism and more. Choose authentic products, break this cycle and promote a culture of ethics and sustainability. Reject the allure of counterfeit goods and join the movement towards a more responsible and honest consumerism, where the value of integrity and authenticity outweighs the fleeting thrill of a fake designer label.
-Kunle Bakare for Omoluwabi by KB (20.07.2024)
