South Korean court sentences group for 3.47 billion won luxury counterfeit sales

A group of individuals has been sentenced to prison for selling approximately 3.47 billion won worth of counterfeit luxury goods through social media platforms including Instagram and KakaoTalk.

The Daejeon District Court sentenced the primary perpetrator, a 41-year-old man, to 2 years and 6 months in prison, while his partner received a 2-year sentence. Both were ordered to pay 1.33 billion won in surcharges. Two accomplices received suspended prison sentences and varying amounts of surcharges.

Between December 2021 and April 2025, the group sourced counterfeit bags and watches from domestic and Chinese suppliers, targeting brands such as Chanel, Hermès, and Cartier. Investigators found that the group sold 9,285 counterfeit items, with the original retail value of those goods exceeding 92.5 billion won. Additionally, 843 counterfeit items were found in storage, valued at over 18.9 billion won.

The court noted that the crimes were planned and organized over a long period, resulting in significant illegal profits. The court also cited the defendants' attempts to destroy evidence following the start of the investigation as aggravating factors.