Anti-Piracy Seizure Information
California | Florida | Indiana | Kentucky | Massachusetts | Michigan | Mississippi | Nevada | New York | Pennsylvania | Virginia | Washington | Worldwide: China | Hong Kong | Italy | Singapore | South Africa | United Kingdom
California
August 29, 2025 – Seven defendants have been federally charged in an organized retail theft conspiracy involving counterfeit electronics. Three Chinese nationals were arrested, with four others still at large. The scheme involved purchasing genuine iPad tablets and AirPods from major retailers, then returning counterfeit versions with matching serial numbers and resealed packaging to obtain refunds. The defendants allegedly imported the counterfeits from China while exporting the genuine products there. The charges include mail fraud conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit goods, carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.
United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California – August 29, 2025
September 4, 2025 – Two Chinese nationals, ages 31 and 35, admitted guilt in a transnational fraud operation that cost Apple over $16 million. The scheme involved smuggling counterfeit devices bearing serial numbers from legitimate warranty-covered products, then exchanging them at California Apple stores for authentic replacements. Operating from December 2015 through March 2024, conspirators used rented mailboxes to receive fake shipments before shipping genuine replacements to China for resale. They personally attempted returning over 1,500 counterfeits, while the broader group targeted 27,600 devices. Four additional defendants pleaded guilty, with sentences pending December 10. The two men face 20 years and 40 years imprisonment.
The Independent – Isabel Keane – September 4, 2025
Florida
April 22, 2025 – Miami-Dade authorities arrested a 35-year-old woman after discovering over 1,000 counterfeit Louis Vuitton items worth more than $1 million at her West Little River home. The investigation began following a Crime Stoppers tip about fake merchandise sales. Undercover agents made multiple purchases in June, buying items at drastically reduced prices. Their purchases included handbags valued at $1,900 and $2,800 sold for $270 and $250 respectively. Louis Vuitton investigators confirmed the items were fake. The Miami woman faces charges for falsifying products exceeding $20,000 in value and was held without bail at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
August 27, 2025 – Two South Florida business owners were arrested for operating a major counterfeit sports apparel scheme worth over $530,000. The Florida man and his wife ran seven stores under the name “Silvia Soccer Liga Sports,” selling fake soccer jerseys and uniforms representing various countries at below-market prices. Miami-Dade deputies, working with Homeland Security and brand investigators from companies like Adidas, discovered over 3,000 counterfeit Adidas soccer sets and 800 fake major league soccer uniforms at their wholesale distribution location. Both face counterfeit merchandise charges. The wife pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bail while awaiting trial.
NBC Miami – Christian Colón – August 27, 2025
September 4, 2025 – Two Miami-based independent jewelers were arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit Rolex watches worth over $70,000 to a victim who discovered the fraud when water entered one watch. An independent assessment confirmed all three watches were fake, with one supposedly new watch being over a decade old. When confronted, the couple blocked the victim and ceased communication. They were tracked to Cape Coral and arrested, facing organized fraud charges. Authorities warn buyers to purchase from authorized dealers and believe additional victims may exist given the couple’s established reputation in the jewelry business.
CBS News – John MacLauchlan – September 4, 2025
September 11, 2025 – A Miami Gardens couple were arrested for allegedly operating a counterfeit luxury goods operation from their residence. Authorities seized over 500 fake designer items during a search warrant execution, which would have exceeded $500,000 in value if authentic. The investigation began when undercover detectives purchased items in August that brand specialists later verified as fraudulent. Social media posts showed the suspects displaying apparent luxury merchandise, including Louis Vuitton items. Both face felony counterfeiting charges for goods valued at $20,000 or more and have posted bond.
CBS News – Anna McAllister – September 11, 2025
September 27, 2025 – Miami customs officials seized counterfeit luxury merchandise that, if genuine, would have been worth more than $377,000. The bogus goods included 349 counterfeit Cartier and Rolex watches, plus imitation Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Gucci items. In addition to protecting consumers from fake products, busts like this help protect legitimate companies and the U.S. economy, while disrupting funding to organized crime syndicates.
Hoodline – Ethan Anderson – September 27, 2025
Indiana
August 15, 2025 – Officials from US Customs and Border Protection in Indianapolis intercepted a shipment of designer counterfeit watches. Originating from Hong Kong, these timepieces, if genuine, would have had a retail value of $4.2 million. The shipment, with 30 counterfeit luxury watches bearing Cartier’s trademark, was bound for New York. CBP officers had help from partners at the Centers of Excellence and Expertise to determine that the watches were not authentic.
In the past three years, the top counterfeit products with the highest value have been jewelry, watches, and handbags or wallets. China and Hong Kong remain the two top source countries for seizures of illegal merchandise, accounting for 90% of all shipments seized.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – August 15, 2025
Kentucky
August 13, 2025 – On August 6, officers from the CBP seized a Louisville shipment that contained more than 7,000 pairs of bogus earrings. The parcel arrived from Hong Kong and was destined for a personal residence in Miami, Florida. The customs declaration stated, “metal necklace,” with a total weight of 56 pounds.
When officials opened the package, they found 7,319 pairs of counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings that bore the iconic (and federally protected) trademark. Deemed counterfeit by the CBP’s trade experts, Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the earrings, if genuine, would have been worth $30.37 million.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – August 13, 2025
Massachusetts
July 25, 2025 – A massive counterfeiting operation worth $130 million has resulted in the forfeiture of nearly 3,000 luxury items seized from a Massachusetts home. Seven individuals orchestrated the scheme from 2019-2021, importing cheap goods from China and applying fake designer labels before selling them as authentic merchandise. The Lawrence property raid yielded an extensive collection including 772 Yeezy sneakers, 872 Nike shoes, 375 Gucci belts, and hundreds of other counterfeit luxury items from brands like Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. Six defendants received brief jail sentences, while authorities have filed forfeiture proceedings for the seized goods and related assets.
MassLive – Heather Morrison – July 25, 2025
Michigan
July 31, 2025 – Michigan State Police conducted a search of six Greenfield Plaza stores in Oak Park that were suspected of selling counterfeit merchandise. During the sting operation, officers discovered fake luxury goods including Gucci clothing, Nike shoes, and Rolex watches. They described their seizure as likely filling their U-Haul truck about three times. They didn’t reveal the stores that were targeted but confirmed that some of the seized items were counterfeit. Michigan police will present its findings to the Attorney General’s Office to decide if they will file criminal charges. The investigation is ongoing.
WoodTV – Matt Jaworowski – July 31, 2025
August 7, 2025 – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged four men with felony counts related to a large-scale counterfeit fragrance operation that sold fake luxury perfumes and colognes through Amazon and Walmart’s online platforms. The investigation began in October 2023 when Walmart contacted authorities about suspected counterfeit merchants. Coordinated raids in December 2023 led to seizures of over 300 boxes in Port Huron and more than 100,000 boxes in Sterling Heights, including fake products from Abercrombie & Fitch, Chanel, Victoria’s Secret, and L’Oréal. The defendants face charges including conducting a criminal enterprise (20-year felony), possession of counterfeit goods (5-year felony), and computer crimes (20-year felony). The operation allegedly ran for years across major e-commerce platforms.
Upper Michigan Source – August 7, 2025
Mississippi
September 18, 2025 – Rankin County officers on Interstate 20 turned a routine traffic stop into a major counterfeit bust. Two California men were discovered with pallets of fake Louis Vuitton and Nike products that had a retail value, if genuine, of over $230,000. The men were charged with possessing counterfeit goods with intent to sell. They are also being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible deportation.
WAPT – Cordaveon Carter – September 18, 2025
Nevada
July 22, 2025 – Five Nevada residents received prison sentences up to 84 months for operating Jetflicks, America’s largest illegal streaming platform. The service hosted over 183,000 television episodes—more than licensed services like Netflix or Hulu—generating millions through unauthorized content distribution. Defendants used automated systems to scrape pirated material globally and deliver it to paying subscribers. Shows were often illegally streamed within 24 hours of the original broadcast. This landmark case represents the most extensive internet piracy prosecution by infringement volume ever brought to trial. Estimated damages exceed $37.5 million.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs – July 22, 2025
September 12, 2025 – A 57-year-old woman received three years’ probation and must pay approximately $13,800 in restitution after pleading guilty to trafficking counterfeit Louis Vuitton products from her Nevada boutique. Authorities confiscated over 100 fake items valued near $14,000 during a March 2023 raid, including bags, wallets, cosmetic cases, and accessories bearing fraudulent designer marks. The Nevada woman operated the business with her husband, initially expanding from LuLaRoe clothing sales in 2018. Despite the conviction, the boutique’s Facebook group remains active with nearly 7,900 followers and continues hosting weekly live sales events.
Ames Tribune – Celia Brocker – September 12, 2025
New York
August 8, 2025 – At the Buffalo port of entry, U.S. CBP officers intercepted several shipments of designer counterfeit products. They discovered fourteen luxury high-end Rolex watches that bore counterfeit trademarks and were confirmed to be inauthentic. These timepieces had marks that were either identical or indistinguishable from those registered by Rolex. Had these watches been genuine the retail price would have been $257,000.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – August 8, 2025
September 4, 2025 – A 34-year-old Lawrence resident allegedly earned over $2 million since 2018 selling counterfeit Nintendo accessories through multiple Amazon seller accounts from an Island Park warehouse. The investigation began after negative customer reviews prompted Amazon to involve Nintendo, which confirmed the products were completely fake. Authorities seized counterfeit Switch docking stations and Pokémon accessories imported from overseas, primarily China and the Philippines. He pleaded not guilty to trademark counterfeiting and conspiracy charges, facing up to 15 years imprisonment. Investigators are examining other counterfeit merchandise found at the location, with additional arrests possible. Amazon removed the fraudulent listings and suspended associated accounts.
CBS News – Carolyn Gusoff – September 4, 2025
Pennsylvania
August 8, 2025 – A South Philadelphia resident pled guilty to attempting to sell counterfeit Jason Kelce memorabilia that was, if genuine, worth more than $200,000. The man was in a Montgomery County courtroom this week, admitting his guilt. Prosecutors said that he deceived an employee at Beckett Authentication Services, falsely telling the woman that the autographs from the legendary Philadelphia Eagles football player were the real deal. The man will be sentenced August 29.
September 12, 2025 – A Berks County man was sentenced to two months in jail with a $50,000 fine plus $186,125 in restitution for selling counterfeit art. The 77-year-old pleaded guilty to selling bogus artwork he claimed was by famous artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and others. He knew the artwork was counterfeit and had previously pled guilty to mail and wire fraud. The sales occurred between February 2019 and March 2021.
NBC Philadelphia – Emily Rose Grassi – September 12, 2025
September 12, 2025 – A Philadelphia couple each received 18-month prison sentences, three years’ supervised release, and $60,000 restitution for importing and selling counterfeit mobile devices. Between July 2018 and July 2020, Customs intercepted 24 shipments containing fake AKG, Apple, Samsung, and LG products worth nearly $350,000 addressed to their Philadelphia residences. The couple ignored multiple seizure notices and cease-and-desist letters from manufacturers. A 2021 residence search uncovered additional counterfeit merchandise valued at approximately $224,000, plus evidence linking them to six eBay accounts selling fraudulent items. Both pleaded guilty to mail fraud charges in November 2024.
United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Pennsylvania – September 12, 2025
Virginia
September 12, 2025 – Norfolk CBP officers seized approximately $38,000 worth of commercial kitchen equipment from Jordan destined for suburban Chicago after discovering counterfeit UL certification marks. The July 30 inspection revealed the shipment—including charcoal grills, a falafel fryer, pizza oven, shawarma grills, and rotisserie equipment—lacked required UL certification file numbers on manufacturer plates. Authentic UL marks verify equipment meets mandatory safety and usage standards. CBP detained the shipment and consulted trade specialists at the Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence, who confirmed with UL brand protection experts the marks were unauthorized. The seizure occurred on August 25 under CBP’s enforcement authority protecting consumer safety.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – September 12, 2025
Washington
September 1, 2025 – Border agents in Seattle intercepted thousands of counterfeit Labubu dolls that, had they been genuine, would have sold for over half a million dollars. These Chinese Pop Mart plush toys have grown increasingly popular this year, which has caused the counterfeit market to skyrocket.
Fox 32 Chicago – Chris Williams – September 1, 2025
China
July 02, 2025 – Pandora partnered with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit to dismantle a major fake jewelry operation in China. The investigation began in 2020 after customs seizures revealed counterfeit Pandora products. Joint efforts led Chinese authorities to conduct criminal raids, seizing thousands of fake items. In March 2025, operators received five-year prison sentences and substantial fines from a Shanghai court. Pandora invested heavily in brand protection, removing over 500,000 fraudulent web pages and social media accounts in 2024 using AI detection tools—a 215% increase from the previous year. The company also supported seizures of approximately 100,000 counterfeit items globally, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative anti-counterfeiting efforts.
National Jeweler – Lenore Fedow – July 2, 2025
July 06, 2025 – A Singapore High Court ordered a Chinese Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages for selling counterfeit goods through accounts “emcase_sg” and “emcrafts_sg.” The man sold fake items like phone cases and passport covers at significantly reduced prices. He claimed they were authentic or “upcycled” from genuine products. After Louis Vuitton’s sting operations and cease-and-desist letter, The seller switched platforms but continued operations. Justice Gill rejected LV’s $2.9 million claim as excessive, criticizing the man’s deceptive marketing using fake influencer endorsements and his refusal to participate in legal proceedings. Recovery remains uncertain as his business registration has lapsed and accounts disappeared.
The Straits Times – Toh Yong Chuan – July 6, 2025
July 30, 2025 – Shanghai authorities dismantled a counterfeit toy operation in July, arresting eight individuals and confiscating 5,000 fake Labubu dolls valued at approximately $2.1 million. The furry collectibles, manufactured by Beijing’s Pop Mart and popularized by celebrities like Rihanna, typically retail for $40 and are released in limited editions, creating global shopping frenzies. The investigation began when Pop Mart reported a customer complaint about purchasing a fraudulent item online. Police discovered the criminals operated behind a legitimate electronics storefront while secretly distributing knockoffs complete with forged trademarks and fake authentication labels, highlighting the widespread counterfeiting of these coveted collectibles.
The Straits Times – July 30, 2025
Hong Kong
July 04, 2025 – Hong Kong customs conducted a four-week operation called “Ocean Shield” targeting counterfeit goods in cross-boundary shipping and local distribution networks. The enforcement action seized 157,000 suspected fake items valued at HKD 72 million ($9.1 million) from 30 logistics companies across multiple districts and retail locations in Mong Kok. Confiscated goods included watches, mobile accessories, eyewear, clothing, footwear, and audio equipment. Multiple arrests were made with suspects released on bail pending investigation. Authorities believe some counterfeits were destined for local sales while others would be re-exported internationally. Under Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance, violations carry maximum penalties of HKD 500,000 fines and five-year prison sentences.
Securing Industry – July 4, 2025
August 7, 2025 – Hong Kong officials seized 67,000 counterfeit luxury items valued at $5.6 million during a two-week joint operation with mainland China and Macao from July 18-31. The haul included fake watches, handbags, and shoes from high-end brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Chanel, Gucci, and Patek Philippe. The operation targeted smuggling networks that move counterfeit goods through Hong Kong and Macao to destinations in the U.S. and Europe. Under Hong Kong law, importing or exporting goods with forged trademarks carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines up to HK$500,000 (approximately US $64,000). This crackdown reflects China’s broader initiative to strengthen intellectual property protection and combat counterfeiting operations at its borders.
VNExpress International – Hieu Nguyen – August 7, 2025
August 27, 2025 – Customs officials in Hong Kong seized approximately 3,100 suspected counterfeit mobile phones. They intercepted a truck at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and, following an inspection, arrested the 56-year-old driver. If genuine, the bogus phones would have had an estimated market value of $4.6 million. The man was released on bail, and the investigation continues. He potentially faces a maximum fine of $500,000 and five years imprisonment.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – August 27, 2025
September 19, 2025 – Hong Kong customs conducted their largest-ever online counterfeit goods operation. Officers arrested seven individuals and confiscated HK$15 million (US $1.9 million) worth of fake items. The investigation, which began in June, led authorities to a Yuen Long storage facility in September. Officers discovered 7,400 counterfeit products, including fake health supplements, luxury handbags from Hermes and Louis Vuitton, clothing, watches, accessories, and medicines classified as Part 1 poisons. The syndicate allegedly operated through social media, marketing products under a local Chinese suplements brand while dealing in various counterfeit goods. The raids occurred at two units within a factory building.
South China Morning Post – Jess Ma – September 19, 2025
Italy
September 13, 2025 – Italy’s Guardia di Finanza in Brescia Province conducted back-to-school safety operations, seizing over three million non-compliant school supplies lacking CE markings and proper labeling. Officials also intercepted 897 counterfeit Labubu dolls. The inspections, performed at 18 retail locations in late August and early September, targeted stationery stores selling items like rulers, pens, pencils, and compasses that violated safety regulations. Administrative fines exceeding €45,000 (US $52,000) were imposed. Two individuals were referred to judicial authorities for crimes involving counterfeit trademark trading and receiving stolen goods related to the fake Chinese dolls.
Agencia Nova – September 13, 2025
Singapore
August 18, 2025 – Singapore police arrested four individuals aged 34-59 for operating an online counterfeit goods scheme. Between July and August 2025, Criminal Investigation Department officers conducted raids across multiple locations in Woodlands and Ang Mo Kio. They seized over 1,100 fake luxury items including bags, sunglasses, wallets, and accessories valued at more than $99,000. The suspects face charges under the Trade Marks Act 1998, which carries penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and five years’ imprisonment.
Singapore Police Force – August 18, 2025
South Africa
July 02, 2025 – Johannesburg police seized 311 counterfeit Louis Vuitton women’s items valued at R10.8 million (over US $614,000) during a raid in Crown Mines on June 30. The City Deep Profile Team acted on intelligence about a shipment from Durban. They tracked it to a warehouse where fake luxury handbags and accessories were concealed. Louis Vuitton brand representatives confirmed the items were counterfeit after inspection. The operation highlights the growing problem of fake designer goods targeting South African consumers seeking discounted luxury items. While no arrests have been made yet, police continue investigating to identify and apprehend those responsible for the counterfeiting network. The seized merchandise remains in secure storage pending the ongoing case.
The South African – Nozibusiso Mazibuko – July 2, 2025
United Kingdom
July 23, 2025 – Two Leicestershire women received prison sentences for operating a massive Facebook counterfeiting scheme that generated nearly £500,000 (more than US $660,000) in revenue. The women sold fake designer goods through their “Get The Look” page. They offered counterfeit items from brands like Tiffany, Apple, Adidas, and YSL that would have been worth £3.5 million (US $4.6 million) if authentic. Customer complaints about poor quality triggered a Trading Standards investigation, leading to raids that uncovered over 3,500 fraudulent items. One woman received 27 months imprisonment while the other got a suspended 15-month sentence. Authorities emphasized their commitment to prosecuting intellectual property crimes.
BBC – Isaac Ashe – July 23, 2025
August 6, 2025 – Walsall Trading Standards conducted their largest-ever raid, seizing £1.4 million (US $1.87 million) worth of illegal vapes and counterfeit goods from two retail locations and a warehouse in the West Midlands. The operation, assisted by specialist sniffer dogs, confiscated over 9,000 illegal vapes, 1,200 fake clothing items, illegal cigarettes and tobacco, plus counterfeit watches and footwear from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The raid was part of Operation CeCe, a national collaboration between Trading Standards and HMRC. All seized items are in secure storage while investigations continue, demonstrating authorities’ commitment to combating illegal trade operations.
BBC News – Maisie Olah – August 6, 2025
August 13, 2025 – Four people from Southport pleaded guilty to operating a large-scale counterfeit goods scheme involving fake luxury items from brands like Versace, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Fred Perry. The group consisted of married couple, the woman’s mother, and the man’s business partner. They admitted to charges including fraud, money laundering, and counterfeit goods distribution at Liverpool Crown Court in August. The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit investigation also uncovered benefit fraud and a fraudulent insurance claim for an expensive Rolex watch. The defendants were charged in 2024 and are scheduled for sentencing in February 2026, following their guilty pleas on multiple criminal counts.
GB News – Dan McDonald – August 13, 2025
August 31, 2025 – Trading Standards seized approximately £2 million worth of counterfeit goods from Beach Green market in Lancing during a bank holiday operation. Three transit vans were filled with fake products bearing logos from major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Dior. The market operator, Bray Markets, welcomed the intervention and praised Trading Standards’ work. Officials highlighted particular problems with counterfeit Labubu collectible dolls, which had been specifically banned from the market. The operator emphasized that traders sign agreements prohibiting counterfeit sales and that vehicle registrations are monitored. West Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team is reviewing evidence under Operation Mable and plans formal legal action where appropriate.
Yahoo! News – Francesca Williams – August 31, 2025
September 15, 2025 – Derby City Council’s trading standards officers seized over 2,000 illicit items from seven city center stores during a September 1-7 operation. These bogus products included more than 500 counterfeit Labubu dolls. The unauthorized versions of Pop Mart’s popular Chinese toys posed serious safety hazards, with missing parts like plastic hands, eyes, and accessories creating choking and suffocation risks for children. Officers also confiscated eight Labubu-style toys, 190 keyrings, and 1,511 illegal disposable vapes. Penalties for selling counterfeit goods include up to 10 years imprisonment and unlimited fines.