Do you think that a seller of replica Louis Vuitton bags, who is already breaking the law, is going to be a straight shooter in every other respect? It is very unlikely. Because counterfeiters are often prosecuted, we sometimes get a unique glimpse into their other business practices. And what we see is not usually good.

Sellers of replica Louis Vuitton sunglasses might also be stealing people’s identities on the side. Or perhaps they are involved in organized crime. It could be that they fund terrorist organizations or maybe engage in tax evasion. These are all serious offenses.

Even more serious, though, is the way they make their money, which allows them to continue in their illegal practices. And part of how they make their money is often through selling low-quality, poorly made replica Louis Vuitton products to unsuspecting consumers. No one wants to carry a bag around that looks poorly made, and no one wants to feel as though they might be complicit in these many infringements.