Geneva customs fight fake products

Geneva customs has publicly destroyed tons of fake products they seize every year in order to raise awareness of the problem of counterfeit goods. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

The fake goods made of tin rather than stainless steel are usually produced in China and shipped to Europe.  They’re often brought by people from Romania, Holland, France or Poland, who then try to sell the products going door to door, at very high prices. It’s not rare for a set of pans to be sold for 1700 francs, while it’s only worth 35 Euros.

Over the last two years Geneva customs has uncovered about 20 fraudulent schemes. It’s hoping that by destroying the fake goods publicly consumers will avoid fake goods in future. Pans, knives, watches, handbags – the fakes have become so real looking, that it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.

For Geneva government member Pierre Maudet it’s important to protect Geneva’s business location. He says that looking at the high profit margins one has to suspect that there are criminal organisations behind it.