Trapped With A Need For Fake Gucci

How badly do you want that fake purse? Just know this the next time you're perusing Chinatown for some cheap Prada or Coach gear: You may be trapped in a basement if the store gets raided. Yesterday, twelve shoppers were herded into the basement at 218 Centre Street while the police were busting the counterfeit ring - and were kept there against their will.

NY1 reports that 2 hours later, the police got a call from one of the shoppers. When the police arrived, they found tourists from Georgia, Florida and Spain who were apparently perusing fake Rolex and Cartier watches. One person told NY1 that the shoppers shouldn't have been locked in, then reasoned, “But then again, they went in, and hey kind of should know what to expect since it’s not really a legit type of transaction.”

Last month, there was this great New Yorker article about a lawyer who tracks down counterfeit bag (and other products) makers and sellers. For instance, those teeny, legit storefronts you see on Canal Street may have hidden entrances to huge basement spaces where the fake stuff is, and the buildings records aren't necessarily updated with changes made (like fake rooms). Sadly, the New Yorker doesn't have it online, so we'll have to wait until it's added to the next New Yorker DVD set.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on April 4, 2007 3:54 PM

Comments [rss]

guest

New York And L.A. have the best knock off's. I will be going to get mine soon

B Bobkins

Our local street market as about 10 regular counterfeiters who up and off when the market stall rent collector comes to collect the rent. They hate paying rents. Whats amusing is they have someone following the rentman, the undercover trading standards officers, and the occasional Police bust squad and relaying all their movements to the gang by cellphone. Its all quite good natured and no one really minds. And the stuff they have taken is given to a local charity and it ends up back on the street for a good cause. A Police officer was one of these sellers and runners and his sister was the look out women - and all you can do is smile.

robin.g

Can't you get fake crap everywhere these days? Why do tourists think that NYC is the fake Fendi capital? Is it more prevelent here than in other cities/countires?

WhoCares

I work in this neighborhood and when walking in the street, they walk right up to me and say "gucci, prada, Louis Vuitton purse". I just want to turn around an punch the daylights out of them. I yell back that I do not want a fake purse and you know what, there are cops right next to us and do nothing. Just like the lady that walks down the block with the shopping cart full of counterfeit dvd's and the cops do nothing. It's New York people and the dumb tourist will continue to spend their money on fake crap, so no matter what we do, we will never be able to stop them. I am so glad they got locked up in that basement. maybe that will teach them a lesson!

WhoCares

I work in this neighborhood and when walking in the street, they walk right up to me and say "gucci, prada, Louis Vuitton purse". I just want to turn around an punch the daylights out of them. I yell back that I do not want a fake purse and you know what, there are cops right next to us and do nothing. Just like the lady that walks down the block with the shopping cart full of counterfeit dvd's and the cops do nothing. It's New York people and the dumb tourist will continue to spend their money on fake crap, so no matter what we do, we will never be able to stop them. I am so glad they got locked up in that basement. maybe that will teach them a lesson!

Still Not Amused

I guess if I had a company that made this shit . I would thank the NYPD for their efforts . Fortunately I don't and really don't care ! They shut down one and another opens up right next door so what are they really gaining by these raids ?

magnum Pee Eye

I saw a channel 13 show on that counterfeit PI guy.

Of course, the NY'er loves him, he's straight out of central casting as a smart aleck one liner ny'er.

Much like the love shown to jerry orbach here.

however, he's just a patsy for the rich and their corporate interests.

I suggest he learn Chinese soon for his time will kum.

Not even TC, Rick or Higgy baby can help you.

Katherine

Dear Jen,

Before you praise that particular New Yorker article too highly, I would note two things:

(1) the borderline "inscrutable Chinese" descriptions of those caught

(2) neglect of the larger issue - the manufacture of luxury goods by low-paid wage labor. Specifically, an immigrant worker in Italy receives between $6 to $7 a DAY to sew luxury bags marked "Made in Italy" that will retail for $500 or more each. Could it be that the New Yorker cannot offend its major luxury good advertisers with more rigorous and global analysis? Incidentally, the article that should have been published in the New Yorker appeared in Bloomberg magazine.

Peter

There are, I have heard on good authority, Tupperware-style home parties for selling counterfeit handbags and similar items.

got my nice bag

Some cop's wife is gonna get some nice stuff tonight.

Again, this city will do everything to protect the interests of the wealthy. Even though their Gucci, Coach etc are made in China.

bob

Is it wrong if I say "serves them right"?

They come to our city and spend hundreds of dollars on fake crap (supporting a thriving black market) that the city doesn't (obviously) get any tax money from.

MissPinkKate

The police should just give up. Every freakin' place in Chinatown has a fake door or a fake wall that you can go into. They close down one, and another opens right next door.