What a gorgeous handbag! It caught my eye immediately: there it was, on the pavement, on top of black plastic sheet with 10 other bags, wallets and belts. They all looked very expensive and had impressive designer labels or an easily recognisable pattern. The details were right too, glimmering gold locks and embellishments. Even though I must have slowed down only for couple of seconds, the street vendors - a group of African men - took notice and were immediately watching me, smiling invitingly. I quickened my step. Tempting, but no: buying fake goods is a criminal offence in Italy and the fiscal police does take their duties seriously. Being a tourist is no excuse and a heavy fine (up to 1000 euro) or worse would be certain to spoil any holiday.
There are still many people willing to take the risk. Counterfeit products are now a billion dollar business, especially in Italy and France. There is evidence that bags, shoes and accessories are manufactured elsewhere and then shipped to Italy, where the all important finishing touches are added. The fake products are also increasingly well made, which is another big head ache for the designers of luxury goods. It is interesting that both Italy and France have chosen to make buying of fake goods an offence. It is not a crime in Britain, for example.
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