20.10.2026 10:33
The looting incidents that occurred after the protests in France have gained a new dimension. Products reported stolen from stores and retail outlets were this time openly offered for sale on the streets. While images of items taken from looted businesses displayed on stalls drew attention, security forces' investigations into looting and the sale of stolen goods continue.
New footage has emerged after protests that have continued for days in France. It was reported that products stolen from stores and retail outlets during looting incidents were openly offered for sale on the streets.
The footage increased concerns that stolen goods continued to change hands after the looting. It has not yet been clarified which stores the products were taken from or whether the people selling them on the street directly participated in the looting.
STOLEN GOODS ALSO PUT UP FOR SALE ONLINE
After the looting, striking listings also appeared on second-hand shopping platforms. Cosmetics, perfumes, clothing, electronic devices and luxury bags were offered for sale at prices well below their market value.
Second-hand shopping platform Vinted announced that it had removed listings for products assessed as possibly stolen from looted stores. The company announced that it was cooperating with French security units while increasing its inspections to identify suspicious sales.
In some listings shared on social media, it drew attention that luxury cosmetic products were put up for sale at low prices such as 10 euros.
WHAT HAPPENED IN FRANCE?
On October 17, demonstrations attended by hundreds of thousands of people were held in France against the high cost of living, education conditions and problems in public services. Some of the protests, which initially proceeded peacefully, turned into violent incidents. In many cities, especially Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, masked groups smashed store windows, looted businesses and set vehicles on fire.
Stores of luxury brands, supermarkets, electronics retailers and small businesses were targeted by looting. Major damage also occurred in shopping areas in the capital, Paris, where stores of brands such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior are located.
NUMBER OF DAMAGED BUSINESSES REACHES 3,000
The economic toll of the weekend incidents in France is increasingly worsening. While initial statements said that approximately 1,500 businesses were affected, as of October 20 this number had risen to at least 3,000.
While the retail sector's losses are estimated to reach hundreds of millions of euros, insurance companies have begun damage assessment work. Some businesses had to close their shutters, while business owners complained about inadequate security measures.
2,400 PEOPLE DETAINED
According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, approximately 2,400 people were detained in the weekend incidents. Many police officers were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters.
The government launched a large-scale investigation to identify people involved in the incidents. In the Paris region alone, approximately 200 investigators were assigned to examine security cameras and footage shared on social media.
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE CURFEW
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for partial curfews to be imposed in some areas to prevent looting and violence.
Lecornu announced that a comprehensive security operation had been launched to restore public order, while saying that the option of a state of emergency could also be considered if necessary.
The government also asked internet platforms to remove listings concerning stolen products and to cooperate with security units to identify people selling these products.
MACRON REACTS TO VIOLENT INCIDENTS
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the looting and arson incidents during the protests and announced that action would be taken against those responsible.
While student organizations and various protest groups in the country are calling for new demonstrations, the government continues its efforts both to restore public order and to support damaged businesses.