Founder of Marché du Soleil tried for counterfeiting in Marseille
Georges Dahan, 81, and 17 co-defendants are appearing in Marseille for an alleged trafficking of counterfeit goods. Customs officers seized nearly 200,000 items in February.
Founder of Marché du Soleil tried for counterfeiting in Marseille
Georges Dahan, 81, founder of Marché du Soleil, has been appearing since Monday before Marseille's court alongside 17 other defendants. They are all being tried for counterfeiting and money laundering in connection with an alleged trafficking of counterfeit goods that generated millions of euros.
Among the accused are also three municipal police officers and an employee of the prefecture. The trial is expected to last four days. Potential sentences reach ten years' imprisonment, in addition to the permanent closure of the premises.
Marché du Soleil, a bazaar established in the heart of Marseille since 1987, attracted thousands of buyers each week. Investigators estimate that the place could generate up to 15 million euros annually.
In February, administrative closure was ordered. Customs services then seized nearly 200,000 counterfeit items: football shirts, luxury bags, sports shoes. All of this merchandise was destroyed last week.
According to Maître Isabelle Grenier, representing the affected brands, the total loss exceeds 50 million euros. For his part, Maître Stéphane Ceccaldi, a defence lawyer, highlighted the inaction of judicial and police authorities over several decades.
In the neighbourhood, a former market restaurant owner denounces a snowball effect: around ten regular traders would be paying for the illicit activities of others.
Source: franceinfo
Source: France Info