The justice system has permanently closed the Marché du Soleil, a large marketplace in Marseille known for selling counterfeit goods, and sentenced its owner to four years in prison. The court ruled on Monday, September 7, following a trial in June, to end the operation of the 3,600-square-meter market, which had become a hub for the sale of fake branded products. The marketplace, located in the Saint-Charles train station district, had been closed since February under a prefectural order after authorities seized a large amount of counterfeit items. The court’s decision was described by the defense as "particularly severe" and "a summary execution" of the site. The market's founder, Georges Dahan, 81, was found guilty of "possession, production, sale of counterfeit goods" and "money laundering." He was sentenced to four years in prison with probation and significant fines. Three of his brothers were also sentenced to prison with probation. The market saw a significant increase in counterfeit sales after the pandemic, with up to 70% of its sales involving fake items such as clothing, shoes, glasses, and perfumes. Over 200,000 counterfeit items, valued at an estimated 40 million euros, were seized during a major operation in February 2023. That operation involved 300 agents working under the supervision of the Marseille prosecutor's office, who conducted five days of inspections and seized more than 200,000 counterfeit items, valued at around 42 million euros. Among those sentenced on Monday were three municipal police officers who had accepted bribes in exchange for information about inspections. They received prison terms of 18 to 24 months, along with probation and a ban from their profession. Another prefectural employee, who had accepted money to try to prevent the market's closure, was sentenced to 18 months in prison with probation. The Marché du Soleil had operated for 40 years and had become a well-known landmark in Marseille. However, its role in the distribution of counterfeit goods led to its eventual shutdown. The court's decision marks the end of an era for the market, which had become a symbol of both local commerce and organized counterfeiting. The case highlights the challenges faced by authorities in combating the sale of fake products and the involvement of public officials in such activities.