Figures suggest the authorities in France have already intercepted fake goods worth €236 million in the course of this year.

Now the head of a special anti-counterfeit goods detective squad, Xavier Herfroy, has confirmed that, with the backing of luxury goods brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany, his officers are taking the fight into the online shopping space.

The investigation focuses firmly on online auction site eBay. Mr Herfroy has dismissed eBay's protests that it is an innocent by-stander if a seller decides to use its pages to pass on fake goods.

A court case could follow.