With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, French authorities are ramping up efforts to combat counterfeit products. In a recent pre-Olympics crackdown, police targeted the Saint-Ouen flea market, located near the iconic Stade de France, where athletes will compete this summer. The mission: to dismantle 11 stores selling fake designer bags and shoes.

At dawn on April 3, police seized a staggering 63,000 counterfeit items—including clothing, shoes, and leather goods like knockoff Louis Vuitton and Nike products. The contraband was promptly disposed of in garbage compactor trucks, and ten individuals were apprehended. This operation underscores France’s resolve to protect its fashion capital and maintain the integrity of luxury brands.

Counterfeit fashion is a serious issue. Between 2018 and 2021, French companies lost an estimated 1.7 billion euros ($1.83 billion) annually due to counterfeit branded clothing alone. The European Union Intellectual Property Office highlights the severity of this economic drain. France’s fight against fakes has intensified, with customs seizing 20.5 million counterfeit products last year—a staggering 78% increase compared to 2022.

While the crackdown aims to safeguard intellectual property and consumer trust, it has sparked criticism. In Seine-Saint-Denis, where one in three residents lives in poverty, the police’s aggressive approach risks worsening economic hardship for street vendors. Axel Wilmort, a researcher, emphasizes the unintended consequences: increased police presence, repression of informal market sellers, and barriers preventing vendors from setting up stalls. The line between counterfeit sellers and legal second-hand traders blurs, leaving vulnerable communities caught in the middle.

The crackdown’s broader implications highlight the complexity of addressing counterfeits without adversely impacting vulnerable populations. While protecting luxury brands and consumers is vital, it’s equally important to consider the economic realities faced by those in impoverished areas. Policymakers must find a balanced approach that targets illegal activities while providing support for legitimate sellers.

As Paris prepares to welcome millions of visitors during the Olympics—a prime opportunity for luxury goods shoppers—the fight against counterfeit goods intensifies. France’s commitment to authenticity resonates beyond fashion; it’s about protecting creativity, innovation, and economic stability.