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
2023: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2022: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
Anti-Piracy Seizure Information: July-September 2024
Kentucky | New York | Ohio | Virginia | Worldwide: France | Singapore
Kentucky
July 3, 2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Louisville intercepted three shipments containing 2,387 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry on July 1-2. The fake items, purportedly from brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci, were en route from China to New York and Miami. If genuine, the merchandise would have been valued at $10.08 million. CBP officials emphasized the importance of these seizures in protecting the economy and combating criminal activities. The agency noted that counterfeit goods trafficking provides criminals with income and money laundering opportunities, potentially funding further illicit operations.
Lexington Herald-Leader – Alexis Baker – July 3, 2024
New York
July 11, 2024 – In June, U.S. CPB (Customs and Border Protection) officers at the Rochester port of entry intercepted multiple shipments containing counterfeit designer goods. The seized items included fake clothing, watches, wallets, handbags, and sneakers, as well as beauty products and dietary supplements. All items were determined to be inauthentic and bore counterfeit trademarks.
There were also beauty supplies and dietary supplements that violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, potentially posing health risks to consumers. If genuine, their total Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) would have been about $575,000.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – July 11, 2024
Ohio
July 2, 2024 – A 46-year-old Toledo resident received a 14-month prison sentence for trafficking counterfeit goods. From 2014 to 2023, the man imported over 800 shipments, mainly from China, containing fake merchandise. Despite seizures by U.S. Customs and cease-and-desist letters, he persisted in selling counterfeit items at physical locations and on Facebook, creating new accounts when previous ones were deactivated. In May 2023, authorities confiscated counterfeit sports merchandise worth over $29,000 from his business, “Shane’s Man Cave.” The items violated the intellectual property rights of major sports leagues and Nike. Homeland Security Investigations led the case, resulting in the conviction.
United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio – July 2, 2024
July 9, 2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati intercepted a significant shipment of counterfeit championship rings from Hong Kong destined for a small business in Utica, N.Y. The seizure included 345 fake rings representing 18 sports teams, including major baseball, football, basketball, and hockey franchises. Officers identified the rings as counterfeit based on their origin, poor quality, and low value. The agency’s trade experts confirmed the items’ inauthenticity. If genuine, the collection would have been worth $1,380,000 at retail prices.
The Highland County Press – July 9, 2024
Virginia
July 3, 2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Norfolk recently intercepted a shipment of 305 counterfeit air conditioners from China valued at $95,000. The units bore fake Energy Star certification marks, potentially leading to unexpected energy costs and safety hazards for consumers. The Energy Star label, owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, signifies strict energy-efficiency standards. CBP officials warned that fraudulent manufacturers might compromise on safety to cut costs, risking refrigerant leaks and fires. The shipment, bound for Arcadia, California, was initially examined on May 21, with CBP trade experts confirming the counterfeits on June 21 after consulting with the EPA.
WAVY.com – Brian Reese – July 3, 2024
France
July 9, 2024 – France is intensifying its efforts to combat counterfeit fashion ahead of the Paris Olympics. In a recent operation at the Saint-Ouen flea market, police shut down 11 stores, confiscated 63,000 fake items, and arrested 10 people. This crackdown is part of a broader pre-Olympics strategy to curb the sale of knockoffs. The counterfeit clothing industry costs French companies an estimated 1.7 billion euros (US $1.8 billion) annually in lost sales. Authorities have increased raids on informal merchants, particularly near tourist hotspots like Montmartre. In March alone, 70 tons of counterfeit products were destroyed. These actions reflect France’s determination to protect intellectual property rights and maintain its reputation as a fashion capital while preparing to host the global sporting event.
Reuters – Helen Reid, Layli Foroudi, and Mimosa Spencer – July 9, 2024
Singapore
July 2, 2024 – Singapore police apprehended three individuals, ages 42 to 55, for allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise. The Criminal Investigation Department conducted coordinated raids on two shops and a storage facility near Little India on June 27, 2024. Officers confiscated over 2,700 items suspected of trademark infringement, including mobile phone accessories, with an estimated street value exceeding $58,000. The investigation is ongoing. Under the Trade Marks Act 1998, offenders face potential fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years.