The counterfeit papal souvenirs were found stashed in several warehouses on the outskirts of Rome and were destined to hit market stalls around the Vatican as the celebrations kicked off, Italy`s financial police said in a statement.
The 5.5 million items seized -- which included fake Rolex, Omega and Cartier watches as well as pirate Mont Blanc pens -- had a market value of around 15 million euros ($22 million), it said.
Three Chinese nationals were questioned as part of the squeeze on forgers hoping to take advantage of the 300,000 pilgrims expected for John Paul II`s beatification at the Vatican.
(U.KR-DLN/H-AK)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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