Hyogo woman referred to prosecutors for selling counterfeit luxury goods

A 55-year-old contract worker from Hyogo Prefecture has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of trademark law violations for manufacturing and selling counterfeit luxury goods. The individual allegedly used parts purchased online to create imitation items, including keychains resembling Louis Vuitton, and sold them via social media.

Authorities seized approximately 294 finished counterfeit items from the suspect's residence. The investigation suggests the individual sold roughly 200 items between June last year and January this year, earning approximately 450,000 yen. The suspect is suspected of infringing on the trademarks of 11 different brands, including Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès. During questioning, the suspect admitted to the actions, stating, “I thought making and selling them myself would be okay, and I did it to earn extra pocket money.”