Counterfeit Belgian police uniforms on sale on AliExpress two years before launch
Webshop AliExpress has begun selling counterfeit Belgian police shirts, two years before the clothing is put into use, Het Nieuwsblad reports.
The new uniform has been under discussion for three years and is not expected to be introduced until 2026. One component is a polo shirt, a copy of which is now on sale on AliExpress for 9.39 euros.
The garment appears exactly like the official shirt that was presented on the federal police website and in the media in May. Other items, such as the hat and jacket, are not currently being sold.
A source told the paper there are fears that criminals will buy the shirts in order to pose as officers. They are also concerned that officers who face a delay in getting their official uniform will buy counterfeit copies from the Chinese website.
"Protection is not easily enforceable in certain countries, such as China"
The federal police have instructed a legal firm to investigate.
“The application for legal protection of the new uniform is ongoing, but the logo of the Integrated Police that appears on the polos in question is already protected,” a police spokesperson told Het Nieuwsblad.
“However, protection is not easily enforceable in certain countries, such as China. In Belgium, it is punishable to wear a polo shirt with a police logo if you are not part of the police. Possession of such clothing is also punishable under certain conditions.”
Officers at a presentation of the Integrated Police's new visual identity in Brussels, 31 May 2024 © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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