Counterfeit Goods Worth €83bn Flood EU Markets, Funding Crime

Organised crime networks are supplying European markets with counterfeit goods valued at €83 billion annually, with investigators warning that unknowing consumers are inadvertently supporting criminal operations. The illicit trade operates as a hidden but substantial business across EU borders, creating economic and public safety risks.

Byte's take

Eighty-three billion euros in fake goods means Europe's consumers are bankrolling crime without knowing it. Counterfeit merchandise floods EU markets annually, enriching organised networks while gutting legitimate businesses and IP protections across all member states.