Counterfeiters can get four years in jail under new laws

CRIMINALS convicted of counterfeiting face a minimum four-year jail term and a possible €300,000 fine under European Commission proposals.

Figures show there was a 9% increase in the number of counterfeit goods seized at EU borders by Customs in 2003.

The commission says counterfeiting is one of the most attractive crimes for organised gangs in terms of the low risk of prosecution and high profitability.