City, Harper's Bazaar Unveils New Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign
May 13, 2008
Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler teamed up with Harper's Bazaar Magazine Tuesday to unveil a new anti-counterfeiting campaign.
Officials said counterfeit goods contribute to a $650 billion industry -- with profits often supporting criminal activities like terrorism and drug trafficking.
They said it directly affects people here in the city as well.
"Years ago, people, myself included, used to think that buying a counterfeit handbag on Canal Street or in Des Moines was a nuisance. It was just a pain. And what was the big deal really to spend $50 on a fake designer handbag?” said Harper’s Bazaar senior vice-president and publisher Valerie Salembier. “But as we began really understanding what the counterfeit industry had become, we were shocked, appalled, couldn't believe it."
"The city loses a billion dollars in tax revenue from illegal trade or counterfeiting every year,” said Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler. “A billion dollars could fund 10,000 new cops, 10,000 new firefighters, 10,000 new teachers. This is big money in New York City."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has set up a special office to crack down on counterfeiters.
Just last month, police recovered $4.5 million worth of counterfeit clothes and accessories from a warehouse in Queens.
May 13, 2008
City, Harper's Bazaar Unveils New Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign
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