Just in time for the festive season, the Finance Ministry is holding another auction of seized luxury items, including a selection of Delvaux handbags and purses, Swiss watches and South African gold coins, all previously owned by criminals.
Those looking to buy a Rolex, Breitling or Chanel item for themselves or for a loved one as a Christmas present without having to pay the full price are in luck: the Finshop of the Finance Ministry has just put up a batch of confiscated or forfeited luxury items for auction at a discounted price.
While the Finance Ministry does not disclose what case the various items are linked to, anyone buying a handbag, jewellery, coins or shoes should be aware that they are likely previously owned by the wife of a drug lord or a high-stakes criminal.
The online auctions are taking place until Sunday 10 December. The most remarkable items on sale include a Louis Vuitton Capucine handbag (priced at €1,920), a 18 carat rose-gold Rolex Day-Date watch (retail price of around €60,000-€70,000 but currently priced at €38,000), and a Chanel timeless white bag (the highest bid currently sits at €4,000).
Shoppers will also find branded clothes by Dior, Gucci, Dsquared, Hugo Boss, shoes by Gucci and Prada, various rings and bracelets as well as more unique items such as a gold Krugerrand coin for €1,580.
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As the auction will remain open for another 12 days, it is possible prices could still significantly increase. On Finshop's website, it is possible to see how much has already been bid and to place bids for the luxury items.
Finshop sells all these items, as well as office furniture, vehicles and IT equipment no longer used by public authorities, on behalf of the Belgian State. Last year, the turnover of the three Finshop shops was €18,222,598.
