These nationwide and global anti-piracy seizures are just a small sampling of the worldwide efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement, often collaborating in anti-piracy investigations. While many of these seizures in the past have focused on physical stockpiles of counterfeited CD and DVD recordings, illegal streaming and filesharing technology has radically transformed how law enforcement battles what are now digital piracy concerns. Meanwhile, counterfeit merchandising has exploded in recent years, which has led to stepped-up efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies to stop illegal products from coming into the U.S. from other countries. Local law enforcement also gets involved in cases where illegal products—some of them a threat to public health—are being imported and sold within the U.S.
Today, federal and state anti-piracy efforts tackle digital piracy and the production, transfer and sale of all kinds of counterfeit merchandise, from watches, sneakers, and handbags to counterfeit medicines and vaccines, industrial equipment and beauty products.
2024: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2023: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2022: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
Anti-Piracy Seizure Information: October-December 2024
California | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Kentucky | Maryland | New York | North Carolina | Pennsylvania | Texas | Washington | Worldwide: Argentina | Hong Kong | Ireland | Italy | Mexico | Spain
California
November 23, 2024 – US Customs and Border Protection, along with Gibson and other agencies, seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson electric guitars, marking the largest fake musical instrument seizure on record. The authentic value of these guitars would have exceeded $18 million. The operation involved collaboration between CBP, Gibson, Homeland Security Investigations, and the LA County Sheriff’s Department. A press conference is scheduled for November 26th to share more details about their methods for identifying and intercepting counterfeit products, as well as to warn consumers about fraudulent items sold online.
Yahoo! News – Jo Vito – November 23, 2024
Florida
October 1, 2024 – A 71-year-old jewelry shop owner in Lauderhill was arrested after police seized over $1.6 million in counterfeit luxury jewelry from her store, Sharon Jewelry. Chanel investigators initially served a cease and desist in 2020, but she continued selling fake items from brands like Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Dior, and Rolex. Undercover officers made multiple purchases of counterfeit items at significantly reduced prices. A search warrant in March resulted in the seizure of 246 suspected fake jewelry pieces and $20,358 in cash. The woman admitted to selling counterfeit merchandise and was subsequently booked into jail.
NBC Miami – Brian Hamacher – October 1, 2024
Georgia
October 9, 2024 – Chamblee’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted a significant counterfeit goods operation at Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway in DeKalb County. After a months-long investigation in collaboration with trademark holder investigators, officers executed 14 search warrants at different retail stores within the shopping plaza. During the operation, investigators seized merchandise featuring counterfeit trademarked logos. While the exact value of the confiscated goods remains undetermined, authorities are continuing their investigation. No arrests were reported at the time of the operation, and officials stated that more details would be available once the investigation is completed.
WSB-TV Atlanta – October 9, 2024
Illinois
December 16, 2024 – Chicago CBP officers seized over 3.2 million unauthorized Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products worth $81.5 million MSRP during a 12-month period. The shipments, mostly from China, violated FDA regulations and intellectual property rights. Some products illegally used trademarks of pop icons to target young consumers. Director LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke emphasized CBP’s commitment to protecting consumers from harmful products. The seized items lacked FDA marketing authorization and were considered dangerous due to potentially containing high nicotine levels and unknown toxic chemicals.
US Customs and Border Protection – December 16, 2024
Kentucky
December 19, 2024 – In Derby City, Louisville CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) confiscated a large haul of counterfeit jewelry. The shipment included 39 Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, 29 bracelets of the same brand, 10 Cartier bracelets and five rings. If genuine, this jewelry would be worth $952,000.
WHAS11 – Joseph Garcia – December 19, 2024
December 20, 2024 – Louisville CBP officers seized 962 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry and watches in four shipments from Hong Kong and China over two days. The items included fake Cartier, Chanel, Fendi, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef and Arpels, and Rolex products. The shipments contained 459 bracelets, 43 pairs of earrings, 20 necklaces, and 440 watches. If genuine, the items would have been worth $18.81 million MSRP. The counterfeit goods were headed to addresses in Arizona, Virginia, Florida, and New York.
US Customs and Border Protection – December 20, 2024
Maryland
October 3, 2024 – Two Maryland men were sentenced to prison for a multi-million-dollar iPhone fraud scheme. Between May 2017 and September 2019, the pair submitted over 6,000 counterfeit iPhones to Apple for repair, aiming to receive genuine replacements. Receiving fake iPhones from Hong Kong, they used spoofed serial numbers at Apple retail stores and service providers. The conspiracy targeted nearly $4 million, resulting in actual losses of over $2.5 million. One man was sentenced to 57 months in prison, ordered to pay $1,072,000 in restitution, and serve three years of supervised release. The other received 54 months and was ordered to pay $397,800.
WUSA 9 – Alanea Cremen – October 3, 2024
New York
November 19, 2024 – The NYPD conducted a major raid on a “mothership” of counterfeit goods in a Manhattan apartment on Mott Street, seizing fake designer merchandise from brands like Dior, Fendi, and Chanel. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry estimated the value of the counterfeit items at $45-50 million, found in just three rooms. The operation was triggered by consumer and store complaints, especially with the holiday season approaching. Police plan to destroy all seized counterfeit merchandise.
NBC New York – Marc Santia – November 19, 2024
December 11, 2024 – A 48-year-old Ontario importer was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay $4.8 million in restitution for trafficking counterfeit goods. Between 2016-2017, the man ordered fake Vera Bradley bags from a Chinese manufacturer, providing them with photos and tags of authentic bags to ensure accurate counterfeiting. He imported the counterfeits through Western New York, using fraudulent documentation to deceive US Customs. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and resulted from his unauthorized use of Yeti, Vera Bradley, and Lacoste trademarks.
United States Attorney’s Office – Western District of New York – December 11, 2024
North Carolina
October 16, 2024 – Rowan County deputies seized over $600,000 in counterfeit merchandise during an undercover operation at Webb Road Flea Market. The counterfeit goods included shoes, watches, purses, sunglasses, and clothing from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Nike, and Gucci. The items were voluntarily surrendered without criminal charges. In a related incident, a Richburg, South Carolina man was arrested for selling approximately $21,000 worth of fake goods, including 80 pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes and fraudulent Prada, Ralph Lauren, YSL and Gucci items. He was charged with resisting arrest and misdemeanor drug possession.
WCCB Charlotte – Miles Ruder – October 16, 2024
November 19, 2024 – A joint law enforcement operation in Bertie County, North Carolina, seized over 200 counterfeit items from two Windsor stores on November 18. The collaborative effort, involving multiple state agencies, targeted businesses after undercover purchases revealed potentially dangerous and counterfeit products. Seized items included vapes, drug paraphernalia, clothing, and trademarked novelty items. Sheriff Ruffin emphasized that some confiscated goods were illegal and specifically posed risks to children. The operation involved the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, state departments, local police, and prosecutors.
ABC News 12 – November 19, 2024
Pennsylvania
December 26, 2024 – CBP officers in Philadelphia seized 22,000 counterfeit Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers shipped from Israel in two separate parcels, worth $1.4 million if authentic. The seizures occurred after shipments arrived in November and December, with Pennsylvania authorities confirming they were fake. Annual vehicle inspections are required by state law to ensure safety compliance. CBP Area Port Director Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr. emphasized that fake stickers pose a serious public safety risk by concealing unsafe vehicles. Violators face up to $500 in fines and possible jail time.
US Customs and Border Protection – December 26, 2024
Texas
December 11, 2024 – A mother-son duo pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit designer goods from their Laredo, Texas store for nearly a decade. The investigation began in 2013, culminating in a 2022 raid where Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) seized 346 counterfeit items worth approximately $600,000 at retail value. The operation sourced fake goods from California and sold them locally at reduced prices. Their sentencing is scheduled for December 13. HSI notes that such counterfeit operations often connect to broader criminal activities like organized crime and money laundering, particularly in border areas like Laredo.
KGNS News – Orlando Gonzalez – December 11, 2024
Washington
October 22, 2024 – Two suspects are charged in a multi-state scheme involving counterfeit iPads at Target stores in Eastern Washington. Between January and June 2024, they allegedly obtained $163,000 in refunds by returning fake iPads in boxes of genuine devices purchased with gift cards. The pair were arrested in Washington and New York. They face multiple federal charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy, with each crime carrying potential prison sentences of 5-20 years. The scheme involved returning counterfeit iPads to Target stores in Kennewick, Richland, and Yakima.
News Tribune – Annette Cary – October 22, 2024
Argentina
November 20, 2024 – Operation Crete II, a coordinated effort involving 12 South American countries, seized over 11 million counterfeit products valued at $225 million between August and September 2024. The INTERPOL-supported operation led to 104 arrests, targeting intellectual property infringements and dangerous counterfeit goods. Seizures included nearly 300,000 pharmaceutical products, fake cigarettes, counterfeit jewelry, and illicit liquor. The operation dismantled criminal networks involved in smuggling, fraud, and product counterfeiting. Participants included Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and other South American nations, highlighting the interconnected nature of international intellectual property crime.
Hong Kong
November 8, 2024 – Hong Kong customs officers arrested a 48-year-old woman operating an online store selling counterfeit luxury goods. The seized items, primarily Dior and Chanel products, included clothing, cosmetics, and daily necessities with an estimated market value of HK$2 million (US $257,000). The store had over 10,000 online followers and attracted customers by claiming to sell discounted stock from various countries. Customs officers posed as customers and conducted an investigation before raiding the office and warehouse, seizing approximately 15,000 counterfeit items.
South China Morning Post – Harvey Kong – November 8, 2024
December 24, 2024 – Hong Kong Customs conducted “Operation Santa Guardian” over two weeks in December to combat holiday-season counterfeit goods trafficking. The operation resulted in 10 cases and seizures of 43,000 suspected counterfeit and smuggled items worth about $17 million. Officials intercepted goods at multiple locations, including 35,000 items worth $11 million from containers and trucks at ports, and 7,400 items worth $6 million from six logistics companies in Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi. One person was arrested and released on bail as investigations continue.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – December 24, 2024
Ireland
October 19, 2024 – Irish police conducted a multi-agency operation in County Mayo, seizing over 800 counterfeit Apple products worth approximately $173,904. The raids targeted businesses in Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe, and Claremorris, involving various law enforcement units. The operation focused on counterfeit AirPods and iPhone accessories. No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation continues. This follows a similar seizure in Northern Ireland in May 2024. Police noted that intellectual property crime costs the EU economy over 85 billion euros (US $89.5 billion) annually.
Apple Insider – Charles Martin – October 19, 2024
November 30, 2024 – Revenue officers seized 350kg (771 pounds) of counterfeit goods at Dublin Airport. The items originated in Turkey and were headed to an Ireland address. The rights holders confirmed that the counterfeit merchandise infringed their property rights. If genuine, the bogus products would have been valued at about €279,000 (US $290,000).
Ireland Live – November 30, 2024
December 3, 2024 – In November 2024, Irish Revenue officers seized contraband worth €332,000 (US $340,000) across Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare. The seizures included 11.66 kg of cannabis (US $239,000), various prescription drugs (US $4,210), 205 counterfeit goods (US $81,000), cigarettes (US $7,800), and alcohol (US $2,670). Detector dogs Ciara and Grace helped discover illegal drugs in parcels from multiple countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Thailand. The items were headed to various addresses across Ireland. The counterfeit goods were confirmed to violate Intellectual Property Rights, and investigations are ongoing.
Ireland Live – Lili Lonergan – December 3, 2024
December 10, 2024 – Revenue officers at Dublin Port discovered over 9,000 counterfeit Nike shoes from China, valued at €1.9 million (US $1.95 million). Multiple pre-Christmas searches across Irish ports also yielded significant drug and alcohol seizures, including €350,000 (US $359,000) of cannabis and €162,400 (US $166,794) of cocaine. The drugs originated from various countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada. Detector dogs assisted in finding drugs hidden in parcels. In a separate operation, a man in his 30s was arrested at Dublin Airport after cocaine was found during a passenger search upon arrival from France.
MSN – Mairead Maguire – October 12, 2024
Italy
October 17, 2024 – A sophisticated international criminal network counterfeiting premium French wines has been dismantled through a joint operation by French, Italian, and Swiss law enforcement, supported by Europol and Eurojust. The gang produced fake Grand Cru wines sold for up to 15,000 euros (US $15,795) per bottle, with bottles exported worldwide. The operation resulted in six arrests, 14 house searches, and the seizure of counterfeit wine bottles, production equipment, labels, and over 1.4 million euros in luxury goods and cash. Investigators linked the operation to a previous 2015 case involving a Russian national connected to two Italian winemakers.
Securing Industry – October 17, 2024
November 12, 2024 – Italian authorities have dismantled a massive European art forgery network responsible for creating and selling fake artworks by renowned artists like Warhol, Banksy, and Picasso. The operation involved 38 people across Italy, Spain, France, and Belgium, with potential economic damage estimated at 200 million euros (US $210 million). Investigators seized 2,100 forged artworks from over 30 artists and approximately 500 fake certificates of authenticity. The investigation began in March 2023 after discovering 200 counterfeit pieces during a search in Pisa, revealing a complex network of forgers and complicit auction houses.
Associated Press – November 12, 2024
November 27, 2024 – An international law enforcement operation dismantled a major piracy network that served illegal content to 22 million users, generating €250 million (US $256.7 million) monthly. The operation involved multiple European countries, with 89 searches in Italy and 14 abroad. Croatian police arrested 11 people. Authorities seized over €1.65 million (US $1.69 million) in cryptocurrency and €40,000 (US $41,000) in cash — a fraction of the organization’s estimated €3 billion US $3.08 billion) annual revenue. The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) supported the operation, which involved law enforcement agencies from nine countries including Italy, Croatia, and England.
Broadband TV News – Julian Clover – November 27, 2024
November 27, 2024 – Italian police dismantled a major international TV piracy network with 22 million users across Europe, generating €250 million (US $256 million) monthly in illegal revenue and causing €10 billion (US $10.26 billion) in losses to pay TV companies. Operation Takedown involved 270 officers conducting 89 searches across Italy and 14 searches in other European countries. Eleven arrests were made, with suspects facing charges including copyright infringement and computer fraud. Affected companies include Sky, Dazn, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Mexico
November 29, 2024 – Mexican authorities raided “Mexico Mart” in Mexico City, seizing 90,000 counterfeit items and over 262,000 products without proper documentation. The raid targeted fake Asian goods, including unauthorized Marvel, Disney, and Nintendo products. Officials plan to expand these operations nationwide, focusing on ports and airports. The complex, which had been raided three times before, will be seized and the contraband destroyed. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced investigations into shipping and customs agents if import documents are found.
Spain
December 6, 2024 – Police in Marbella arrested 40 people and seized over 14,000 counterfeit goods at a street market during Operation ‘Almerca2’. The suspects were selling unauthorized imitations of well-known brands. Officers also confiscated €8,300 (US $8,523) in cash. Brand experts confirmed no authorized vendors were present at the market. The case has been referred to judicial authorities.