Fake Hermès Birkin bags scandal: 10 sentenced in Paris over items sold for up to US$35,000 to Asian tourists and clients in Hong Kong
- Highest sentence of three years in prison with one year suspended went to a man considered to be a ringleader, who has not been arrested yet
- Prosecutors said the gang took in about US$2.3 million a year by selling the fakes for between US$23,000 and US$35,000
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A Paris court on Thursday convicted 10 people, including seven former staff of French luxury house Hermès, for making and selling fake handbags under its coveted Birkin brand.
They were handed sentences ranging from six months’ suspended jail to three years with one year suspended.
The highest sentence went to a man considered to be a ringleader, who was also fined €200,000 (US$233,000).
He was tried in absentia however, and is still the target of an arrest warrant.
Another ringleader was given an effective one-year sentence, to be served under house arrest, with two more years suspended and a fine of €100,000.
A woman who was convicted of selling the bags to Asian buyers was given a 30-month sentence with 20 months suspended. Her 10 months will also be served under house arrest.
She wouldn’t wear one, but she buys ‘it’ bags for her children
The network, which targeted Asian tourists in Paris but also clients in Hong Kong in 2013 and 2014, was uncovered when French police wiretapped the home of a man suspected of selling stolen handbags in Asia.
An inquiry uncovered a clandestine operation in which the suspects at their homes crafted dozens of counterfeit “Birkin” bags, the most coveted – and profitable – item produced by Hermès.
Named for French-British actress Jane Birkin, the bags have long waiting lists for customers ready to pay €40,000 or more for versions made with crocodile skin.
Prosecutors said the gang took in about €2 million a year by selling the fakes for between €20,000 and €30,000.
The Hermès workers would make the bags with crocodile skins from an Italian supplier, using zips and other components smuggled out of Hermès workshops.
