Fakes! How Far Can It Go?

I read with great astonishment and amusement of how the Russians are bringing fakes to greater heights in a newspaper report. When we talk about fakes, it is usually things like DVDs, watches, bags, clothings, maybe passports. But to the Russians, these fakes are kids' stuff. They are having million-dollar businesses from fake tours, paintings, pets, caviar, pharmaceutical drugs, handphones, healthcare certificates, degrees, VIP stickers for cars, performances, wine amidst all that were mentioned above. AMAZING!

For people who think that they have gotten some branded things at a cheap price in Russia, BEWARE, because according to the report, about 50% of all consumer goods sold in Russia are counterfeit. Just think about it, how can branded things be cheaper when all of these are imported with taxes?

My concern is the fake drugs in the market. About 12% of them are FAKE, mostly headache remedies. Phew! Thank God that I have an enormous supply of Panadol from home. For those who are wondering what are fake tours, here is what happens. Fake tours are popular with people who needs to brag about their overseas trips to their friends but are unable to afford. They are also popular with errant husbands who want their wives to believe they are on fishing trips. The tour agent will arrange for ticket stubs, hotel receipts, photographs with client's images superimposed on them, souvenirs and even a distant mobile phone number! GENIUS!

Taking a step back, why is the "FAKING" scene so rampant in this country? Well, I do not exactly know the reason but given the short stint of living in Moscow for 2 months, here is my humble insight. Being branded is a must in Moscow for your social status is dependent on how you dress, what you dress, what car you drive etc. I was talking to some expatriates and they shared that in some pubs, they reject entry to customers whom they think do not fit into the kind of patronage they want by judging from their physical appearances (including if they are wearing maybe Prada or Dolce & Gabbana suits). It is because of such social practices that being branded becomes a necessity. However, not everyone can afford such luxuries. In fact I believe many of us can't. So the alternative? Making fakes as real as possible. Of course, there are also many that just spend their entire months of salary on branded goods and the notion of "saving for rainy days" is remote. Maybe, there is no longer trust on savings after the economy crash in 1998 and savings are turned to nothing overnight. Such extremities can sometimes change a person's perception of things.

Whatever is the reason, I certainly hope that Moscovites or Russians do not lose their warm and sincere personalities (whom they really are) to these material luxuries.