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Al-Qaeda linked to counterfeiting sales
Top designers, including Louis Vuitton and Burberry have warned that profits from cheap fakes sold on the High Streets, on the Internet and markets in many countries may be used to fund Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organisations.The Interpol has backed the warning amid growing concerns about the number of counterfeit items imported into Britain. Seizure of designer fakes has trebled since 2001. About two-thirds of seizures in 2003 were clothing and accessories. Of those 18 per cent were fake Louis Vuitton goods, 11 per cent Burberry and 11 per cent Nike sportswear. Intelligence agencies believe that terrorists and extremist organisations are increasingly using counterfeit goods to raise money for their terror activities. Louis Vuitton confirmed the evidence indicating links between counterfeiters and terrorists. Interpol said a high proportion of the revenue raised for Al-Qaeda was believed to come from "zakat", a form of charitable donation to mosques, as part of religious obligation. Such forms of payments are suspected in Pakistan, which reportedly has a thriving counterfeit trade. Earlier this year police raided two factories in Faislabad and Gujranwala and arrested the owners who were producing replicas of Boss and Lacoste clothes. The fake products were due to be exported to London. Interpol said apart from donations at mosques, there was evidence of Al-Qaeda's direct link with the counterfeit trade. Three years ago, customs officers intercepted fake perfumes and other counterfeit goods en route from Dubai to Britain. It was about that time that the police in London had come down heavily on sales of perfumes, watches and jewellery on Oxford Street by vendors carrying goods in trays and standing on pavements. Dior and Chanel perfumes used to be offered from £7 to £10. John Newton, an Interpol officer has been quoted saying that raising money through counterfeit goods sales could become the most favoured way for al-Qaeda to fund its terror activities. Posted by: Dan Darling 2005-03-22 |
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