Vinted, a second-hand reselling platform, has removed listings of items believed to have been looted from shops during riots in France over the weekend. The company said it took immediate action following the outbreak of disorder to identify and remove listings linked to looting and stepped up monitoring of suspicious listings.
"The sale of stolen goods, or soliciting them, is strictly prohibited on Vinted, and we have zero tolerance for it," a Vinted spokesperson told the BBC. The company said it was working with French authorities and police and would adapt its processes to detect and counter emerging risks and malicious behavior. Vinted said it acts against accounts that breach its rules, up to permanent bans.
Widespread looting occurred across Paris, Marseille and Lille as protests over the cost of living and public spending turned into riots. More than 2,000 businesses were directly impacted by the weekend's violence, according to the head of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The head of that body told France's broadcaster RTL that the riots led to hundreds of millions of euros worth of damage. At least 1,200 people were arrested.
Groups of rioters, some wearing masks and balaclavas, set fire to cars and buildings and looted businesses. Luxury shops and boutiques including Dior, Rolex, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren had their shopfronts damaged in Paris. Olympique de Marseille said its official store on the city's historic main avenue had been looted. Fellow Ligue 1 club Lille said its club shop would remain closed until further notice.
eBay said it has not noted any increase in listings linked to the looting but works with law enforcement to investigate suspected stolen goods. The company said it removes listings and takes action against sellers when authorities confirm an item is stolen.