Brussels, Belgium — The federal police announced Wednesday afternoon that counterfeit versions of the new Belgian police uniform had been found on the Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress.
This discovery raises concerns about security and impersonation risks, as the new uniform has yet to be officially issued to officers and is still two years away from being fully implemented.
According to reports from Het Nieuwsblad, a polo shirt resembling the new police uniform was available for sale on AliExpress for €9.39.
The shirt appeared on the site for a week before its removal, raising eyebrows about how replicas of a uniform not yet in circulation could be produced and sold so quickly.
The new police uniform has been under development for three years, with the official rollout not expected until 2026.
The federal police have taken the matter seriously, engaging legal counsel to address the issue. “We are very concerned about this development,” said An Berger, a spokesperson for the federal police.
“The counterfeit clothing has been removed from the online store, but we cannot confirm if this was due to our intervention.”
The implications of counterfeit police uniforms extend beyond mere market fraud. Police officials have voiced worries that the availability of these replicas could lead to officers purchasing them during long waits for officially issued uniforms, particularly when their specific sizes are out of stock.
This situation poses a serious risk as it could enable ill-intentioned individuals to use these counterfeit shirts to impersonate police officers.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, who recently presented the Integrated Police’s new uniform on May 31, 2024, has not yet commented publicly on this incident.
However, the controversy highlights the need for stronger safeguards against counterfeit products, especially those that can be used to undermine public safety.
While the counterfeit polo shirt was an exact replica of the design revealed on the federal police website, the existence of these products raises questions about intellectual property rights and the effectiveness of current online retail regulations.
The rapid production and sale of police uniforms not authorized for public use could lead to a breakdown in the integrity of police operations and public trust in law enforcement.
As authorities investigate further, it remains uncertain whether additional measures will be taken to prevent the emergence of similar counterfeit products in the future.
The Belgian police, who have expressed concerns over impersonation risks, are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals dressed in unauthorized police attire.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by globalization and the ease with which counterfeit goods can be produced and sold online.
In a time when public trust in law enforcement is paramount, the potential for individuals to impersonate officers using counterfeit uniforms poses a serious threat to community safety and security.
The federal police’s swift action in this case may help mitigate these risks, but ongoing vigilance will be crucial as they prepare for the eventual introduction of the new uniform.
