Luxury policing just stepped up its game. On November 5, 2025, Ajman Police confirmed that its Criminal Investigations Department has signed a cooperation agreement with Louis Vuitton’s Brand Protection Department to clamp down on counterfeit luxury goods being sold in the emirate. The initiative will enhance market patrols, improve officer training on authentic product identification, and support legal action against violators to protect brand integrity and consumer trust.
The new anti-fake alliance
The Emirate of Ajman is escalating its campaign against imitation goods. Ajman Police recently held a high-level meeting with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton (LV) to forge a powerful alliance focused on intellectual property (IP) protection.The meeting at the police headquarters involved Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, and a senior delegation from LV. This delegation included Valérie Sonnier, LV’s Global Director of IP Protection and Criminal Disputes for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, among other regional directors.The core goal of this partnership is crystal clear: to significantly strengthen the enforcement of trademark protection laws across the UAE, specifically within Ajman. By working together, the police and LV aim to curb the illegal sale of fake merchandise and foster a safe, sustainable business environment for legitimate brands. The LV team praised the police for their ongoing vigilance in safeguarding these rights.
Millions seized in Ajman raids
The new collaboration builds on an already aggressive enforcement strategy by Ajman authorities. The scale of the counterfeit trade in the emirate is substantial, highlighting why such partnerships are essential.In a key operation, Ajman Police and the Department of Economic Development (DED) seized an estimated 120,000 duplicate items across various luxury labels, including Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel, Dior, and Prada. The estimated value of these fake goods was a staggering AED 30 million ($8.1 million).The confiscated products covered a wide range of categories, including counterfeit:
- Designer handbags and wallets.
- Luxury clothes and accessories.
- High-end watches and sunglasses.
The authorities acted swiftly following a public complaint about local shops selling these fraudulent items. The police emphasize that they will continue to crack down on bootleggers, demonstrating the tangible impact of their efforts on cleaning up the market for consumers and brand owners alike.
UAE’s robust laws and consumer protection
This local partnership in Ajman reflects a wider, concerted push by the entire UAE to become a global leader in intellectual property enforcement.The UAE has made substantial strides by signing international IP treaties and introducing modern legislative frameworks. Key measures include:
- Tougher Penalties: The new
UAE Trademark Law of 2021 introduced stringent penalties for IP crimes. Individuals who forge a registered trademark or knowingly use a counterfeit for commercial purposes can face a fine of up to AED 1 million and/or imprisonment. - Global Recognition: As a direct result of these intensified campaigns and legal updates, the UAE was recently removed from the United States’ intellectual property protection watchlist, a major endorsement of the country’s commitment.
- Taking Action: While authorities like the Ajman DED often rely on proactive market monitoring, brand owners themselves are crucial partners. Brand representatives must officially submit a complaint, backed by necessary documentation, to initiate an investigation and subsequent raids against infringing activities.
By elevating their cooperation with global leaders like Louis Vuitton, Ajman Police are not just protecting a logo; they are actively defending the integrity of the UAE’s commercial markets and ensuring consumers receive the quality they pay for.
A Clear message to bootleggers
The formal partnership between Ajman Police and Louis Vuitton sends an unambiguous message regarding the future of the counterfeit trade in the emirate. By combining the brand’s expertise in authentication and intelligence gathering with the police’s robust legal enforcement capabilities, Ajman is significantly raising the operational risk for bootleggers. This strategic collaboration is not merely about seizing goods; it is about defending the integrity of the market, securing investment for legitimate businesses, and upholding consumer trust in high-value products. Ultimately, this enhanced vigilance reinforces the UAE’s commitment to global intellectual property standards, ensuring the country remains a safe and sustainable commercial hub where the only merchandise accepted is genuine.
