Counterfeit trafficking on a regional scale dismantled by the gendarmes of the Nîmes research section.
Louis Vuitton bags, Under armor technical clothing, Lacoste polo shirts, Nike sports shoes… all sold at very attractive prices on social networks, were offered by a quartet from Alès. Problem: it could be counterfeit luxury equipment.
After several months of investigations, the gendarmes from the Nîmes (SR) research section, supported by the group's intervention forces, took action.
This Thursday morning, while it was still dark, the investigators silently approached the three addresses in Alès that they had targeted. Simultaneously, the gendarmes “type” in the city center, on the Bilina quay and in Tamaris where the strong gendarmerie force is causing a certain stir in the cul-de-sac where the suspects reside.
Incarcerated until Monday
A total of four people, including a couple, were arrested and taken into police custody. The gendarmes then carry out searches.
According to initial findings, a substantial stock would have been found. “The potential value of sports items for sale is estimated at nearly €50,000”assures a source close to the matter. All material was seized and should be destroyed.
The investigation began this summer following a report. Police officers specializing in detecting crimes on social networks have spotted exchanges between sellers of sporting goods and buyers.
After preliminary contacts, transactions were carried out via different accounts. Patiently, the police identified the protagonists of this traffic. Various monitoring activities have confirmed the significant scale of sales.
Among the four suspects is the partner of one of them. The woman's custody was quickly lifted and she will have to return to court for a hearing in “plead guilty”.
This Friday afternoon, the three defendants were brought before Cindy Fernandez, the deputy public prosecutor. The magistrate requested pre-trial detention during the hearing before the judge of freedoms and detention.
The defense lawyers, Joris Numa, Karim Derbal and Olivia Betoe, were unable to avoid the incarceration of their clients. The latter generally recognize the facts. They would get their supplies from the Marché du Soleil, in Marseille. They will be judged this Monday, December 2 in an immediate appearance procedure.
