Christmas is boom-time for manufacturers and retailers as consumers engage in an annual shopping frenzy that sends profits soaring and can give a much-needed boost to ailing economies. But it’s not just the makers and sellers of the perfumes, handbags and watches we buy who are cashing in.
Counterfeiters are increasingly getting in on that act, thanks to advances in technology and a change in the law in Europe. That’s the focus of this Euronews edition of the program On the Frontline.
Euronews reporter Paul Hackett is out on the streets of Amsterdam and speaks to customs officers in the port of Rotterdam trying to tackle the rip-off merchants. In the Euronews studio discussion two experts in customs operations and anti-counterfeiting give their views. They tell about a surge in fake products – from luxury goods to medicines – and speak of their concerns for the safety of consumers in Europe.
For this reportage Featurez gives advice, does the research and set-up of the filming, books a cameraman, accompanies the filming and organises archive footage.