In a coordinated operation, French and Italian police have dismantled an international fraud network that posed low-quality bottles of wine as rare vintages, some with price tags reaching up to €15,000 each. Six individuals, including a Russian identified as the alleged ringleader, were arrested across Paris, Turin, and Milan. They are suspected of producing counterfeit labels of renowned French vineyards and selling these fake products globally at legitimate market prices, earning an estimated €2 million from the scheme. The operation, supported by Europol, uncovered a haul of counterfeit wine bottles, labelling equipment, luxurious goods, cash, and electronic gear. This organized wine fraud mirrors the rising high stakes in the wine market globally, with the trade centered around Italy due to its expertise and criminal networks, making identifying forgeries increasingly difficult even for reputable vineyards. With a lucrative market, especially in China, offering hefty sums for premium wines, the allure of forging "the perfect bottle" is a temptation too strong for some to resist.
Police Bust International Fake Wine Ring in France and Italy
Police Bust International Fake Wine Ring in France and Italy
Authorities dismantled a fraud operation selling poor-quality wine as rare vintages, arresting six individuals.
Police Bust International Fake Wine Ring in France and Italy
Authorities dismantled a fraud operation selling poor-quality wine as rare vintages, arresting six individuals.
In a coordinated operation, French and Italian police have dismantled an international fraud network that posed low-quality bottles of wine as rare vintages, some with price tags reaching up to €15,000 each. Six individuals, including a Russian identified as the alleged ringleader, were arrested across Paris, Turin, and Milan. They are suspected of producing counterfeit labels of renowned French vineyards and selling these fake products globally at legitimate market prices, earning an estimated €2 million from the scheme. The operation, supported by Europol, uncovered a haul of counterfeit wine bottles, labelling equipment, luxurious goods, cash, and electronic gear. This organized wine fraud mirrors the rising high stakes in the wine market globally, with the trade centered around Italy due to its expertise and criminal networks, making identifying forgeries increasingly difficult even for reputable vineyards. With a lucrative market, especially in China, offering hefty sums for premium wines, the allure of forging "the perfect bottle" is a temptation too strong for some to resist.
Authorities dismantled a fraud operation selling poor-quality wine as rare vintages, arresting six individuals.
In a coordinated operation, French and Italian police have dismantled an international fraud network that posed low-quality bottles of wine as rare vintages, some with price tags reaching up to €15,000 each. Six individuals, including a Russian identified as the alleged ringleader, were arrested across Paris, Turin, and Milan. They are suspected of producing counterfeit labels of renowned French vineyards and selling these fake products globally at legitimate market prices, earning an estimated €2 million from the scheme. The operation, supported by Europol, uncovered a haul of counterfeit wine bottles, labelling equipment, luxurious goods, cash, and electronic gear. This organized wine fraud mirrors the rising high stakes in the wine market globally, with the trade centered around Italy due to its expertise and criminal networks, making identifying forgeries increasingly difficult even for reputable vineyards. With a lucrative market, especially in China, offering hefty sums for premium wines, the allure of forging "the perfect bottle" is a temptation too strong for some to resist.
