Five European and African smugglers arrested in Finland

HELSINKI, July 25, 2007 (AFP) - Finnish customs arrested five European and African citizens as they were trying to smuggle fake brand watches and mobile phone components destined to the Spanish and Polish markets, the Finnish authorities said on Wednesday, July 25th.

According to the customs, it is extremely rare that smugglers travel by plane and hide the counterfeit merchandise in their luggage.

The customs found 7,000 fake Rolex, Cartier, IWC, Emporio Armani and Bulgari watches hidden in their baggage.

There were also women among the suspects, who went on board in Guangzhou in southern China, this month.

The smugglers are not risking any legal consequences unless the manufacturers, who were contacted by Finnish authorities, decide to file a complaint for the caused damages, the head of Helsinki-Vantaa airport customs, Mika Pitkaeniemi, told AFP.