The Jubilee had not even begun, and the police had already seized more than 100,000 counterfeit items in October. Six months later, the figures have skyrocketed to unimaginable heights
The statistics are substantial: more than 16 million illegal souvenirs have been confiscated by the Guardia di Finanza since the beginning of the Holy Year. Eleven people have also been charged: 10 Asians and one Italian.
The operation is part of a plan that began on December 24th, but was organized long before. A member of this security force explained this to this newspaper a few months ago.
NOVEMBER 2024
RAZIANO RUBINO
Major, Guardia di Finanza
With the Jubilee in mind, it's likely that several shopping centers, several key points in the city, where there may be more pilgrims during the day, will need constant surveillance.
That is exactly what the security force did, combing through the various districts of Rome. It was then that this type of illegal trade was discovered.
There are also scams that violate intellectual property laws, as they lack official permits and are counterfeit replicas.
In fact, the authorities found religious objects of all kinds: crosses, rosaries, medals, and key chains, printed with sacred images, the Vatican Coat of Arms, and the face of Pope Francis.
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