Trafficking in fake Hermès bags: up to six years in prison and a fine of 1.5 million euros

Twenty-three people, including nine former Hermès employees, were sentenced on Wednesday February 24 in Paris for their participation in a network of counterfeit “Birkin” bags, receiving sentences of up to six years in prison and 1, 5 million euros fine.

The court ordered different groups of defendants, depending on the case, to pay a total of 10.4 million euros in damages to the companies Hermès Sellier and Hermès International, for material and moral damages.

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After a one-month trial at the end of 2020, 23 of the 24 defendants and three companies were found guilty of participating, between 2008 and 2012, in the manufacture or marketing of counterfeit bags, or even took advantage of the money drawn from this illegal trade, within a

"structured organization"

.

The court estimated at 400 the number of bags made in

“clandestine workshops”

in Hong-Kong or in France and at 800 the number of bags taken from the so-called

“personnel check” system

, which allows a Hermès employee to make a bag for yourself.

Some 340 “Birkin” - the flagship model of the brand - were also sold via a

“national”

network

, which had suppliers in common with the main

“international” network

, according to the court.

The main convict appeals

The court convicted most of the defendants of “copyright and trademark infringement” as well as “organized gang smuggling”.

He went beyond the prosecution's requisitions in several cases, in particular for the

"real designer and leader of traffic"

, 41, sentenced in his absence to 6 years in prison and a fine of 1.5 million euros. - against 4 years, one of which was suspended and a fine of 300,000 euros required.

An arrest warrant has been issued against him.

"The court decided to marry the complete cause of Hermès"

, reacted to his lawyer Alexander Lazarègue, saying

"the fight against counterfeiting,"

not

"should not come at the expense of the rights of individuals"

.

He has indicated his intention to appeal.

Read also: Covid-19: Hermès overcame the obstacles

For the

“essential supplier”

of the network, 66, the court handed down a 4-year sentence, 2 of which was suspended probation and a fine of 400,000 euros, of which 200,000 were suspended.

For having participated in logistics, manufacturing, playing a role of

"tout"

within the Hermès workshops or even providing counterfeit jewelry, 15 men and women were sentenced to fines ranging from 7,200 euros, with the possibility of 'imprisonment in the event of non-payment, to three years including 18 months fixed, as well as 300,000 euros fine including 150,000 suspended.

Three defendants considered to be dealers were given between 6 months suspended and two years fixed, with fines, when two other men were sentenced to suspended sentences and fines for having participated in the

"local"

network

.

Finally, the partner of one of the two main defendants was convicted of money laundering, but her stepfather was released.