This Is Why Why your fake fashion is funding organised crime
Mar 26, 2026
Sarah Woodcock, CEO of The Anti-Slavery Collective, exposes forced labour in supply chains. Katerina Vittozzi, Sky News North of England correspondent, reveals where and how fake fashion is sold. They discuss the market’s huge scale, influencer-driven demand, production hubs, links to organised crime, enforcement gaps and the human cost of counterfeit goods.
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Investigator Finds Counterfeits In Her Own Cupboard
- Katerina discovered several counterfeit items in her own wardrobe after investigating fake fashion.
- Items included a fake Gucci bag, Birkenstock sandals, and a Burberry-style scarf bought on holiday or online, which she had never questioned before.
Buying Fakes Is Legal But Selling Is Criminal
- Buying counterfeits is not illegal for consumers, which fuels the perception that it's a victimless act.
- Katerina emphasises it's illegal to sell and promote fakes, creating a disconnect between buyer behaviour and criminality.
Counterfeits Are Ubiquitous Both In Markets And Online
- Counterfeit goods are widely available both in physical markets and online, with social media accelerating access.
- Katerina says hotspots include Camden, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, but online sellers make items findable in seconds.