The second life of the Fujian Gang’s luxury loot
Handbags, diamonds and watches bought with criminal proceeds are returning to the market – this time as legitimate collectibles. And the money raised will go into the public purse.
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As at Sept 18, a Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Yayoi Kusama Yellow and Black Monogram Leather Pumpkin Bag had drawn 34 bids and reached $40,000.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
And there they were: the fabled spoils of the so-called Fujian Gang, meticulously laid out in a bullet-resistant viewing room deep inside Le Freeport, the high-security storage facility near Changi Airport patrolled by armed guards.
Reaching them requires a small pilgrimage through a formidable security gauntlet: advance registration, identity checks, interlocking security doors and an airport-style body scanner that invites you to stand with your feet apart and arms raised.