Fraudulent Fashion Companies Closed

The Italian authorities have closed 410 fraudulent fashion websites, it has been revealed, targetting those selling counterfeit high-fashion luxury goods, including items from Prada and Patek Philippe, online. Furthermore, 15 individuals responsible for the websites are being officially investigated, reports The Fashion Law following raids that happened in 11 cities nationwide, including Milan, Rome and Palermo.

In a statement, the Italian Finance Police said that the illegal practice has "obvious negative effects on the economy, in terms of job losses, tax evasion, connections with organised crime, exploitation of minors, security, health and damage to consumers."

Crackdowns of counterfeiting are become ever-more frequent within the fashion industry. Last month one of the largest fashion conglomerates in the world Kering announced that it was pursuing China based e-commerce platform Alibaba for the second time in 12 months for allegedly selling counterfeit versions of items from its stable of fashion houses that includes Gucci, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga - a claim that is being contested by the website.