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.
2025: January – March | April – June
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: April-June 2025
California | Florida | Illinois | New York | Texas | Worldwide: China | Spain | Thailand | United Kingdom
California
April 22, 2025 – CBP officers at the Port of San Francisco recently confiscated almost 7,600 counterfeit stuffed toys with a retail value exceeding $156,000. The unauthorized Hello Kitty and Pokémon plush dolls were initially flagged in February during an inspection of nearly 100 bags of toys. An investigation confirmed both trademark and copyright infringement against Nintendo of America Inc. and Sanrio Company, Ltd. The toys were officially seized last Wednesday after a thorough verification process.
While no arrests were made, CBP officials noted that the smugglers suffered significant financial losses. The agency considers this enforcement action an important deterrent against future counterfeit merchandise trafficking.
KTVU – Sharon Song – April 22, 2025
April 25, 2025 – A 23 year old California woman faces four federal counts of trafficking counterfeit luxury items through her workplace, Mitchelle Inc. The indictment follows a February 2025 investigation that uncovered fake Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton products imported from Hong Kong. She allegedly sold nine counterfeit items for approximately $490. Following her April 9 arrest, authorities seized counterfeit merchandise with an authentic retail value of about $1 million from the San Gabriel superstore location.
The woman’s arraignment is scheduled for May 8. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison per count. Homeland Security Investigations is handling the case.
United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California – April 25, 2025
Florida
May 1, 2025 – An 84-year-old Delray Beach resident, owner of “Ronnie’s Shoes,” was arrested after authorities seized over $200,000 worth of counterfeit designer merchandise from his Delray Beach store. The investigation began in July 2024 following an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip. Undercover operations confirmed the octogenarian was selling fake Prada, Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton items priced between $49-$150, compared to authentic retail values of $1,070-$4,500. Brand representatives verified the items were counterfeit.
Following an April 30 search warrant execution, the man was booked into Palm Beach County Jail for selling counterfeit goods and operating an unregistered business. He reportedly admitted to previous jail time for similar offenses.
CBS 12 News – Skyler Shepard – May 1, 2025
Illinois
May 1, 2025 – Chicago CBP officers intercepted 485 shipments of counterfeit goods from China and Hong Kong during April 2025. These seizures included 516 fake luxury watches (Cartier, Omega, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet) with an authentic retail value exceeding $9.22 million. Additionally, authorities confiscated 4,345 counterfeit driver’s licenses from 340 shipments destined for various U.S. locations.
Officials note that e-commerce growth has created more pathways for counterfeit goods to enter the U.S. economy. American consumers spend over $100 billion annually on counterfeit products, accounting for approximately 20% of global counterfeit sales.
US Customs and Border Protection – May 1, 2025
May 6, 2025 – Over the weekend, US CBP officials from A-TCET (Chicago Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team) near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport inspected a shipment of high-end designer watches. The only problem? They were counterfeit. The shipment that arrived on May 4 from China was seized for containing counterfeit Bvlgari, Audemars Piquet, Omega, Breitling, Richard Mille, Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Vacheron, Paneria, Cartier, and Tag Heurer watches. CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise declared the timepieces to be fake. If genuine, they would have sold for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price exceeding $6.64 million.
US Customs and Border Protection – May 6, 2025
New York
May 5, 2025 – In April, Rochester Port of Entry CBP officers inspected and seized various shipments of counterfeit designer handbags, clothing, watches, shoes, and wallets, among other products. All bore counterfeit trademarks. Had they been authentic merchandise, the total MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) value would have been around $198,000 dollars.
US Customs and Border Protection – May 5, 2025
Texas
April 22, 2025 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in El Paso intercepted a major shipment of counterfeit luxury jewelry on April 9. The package from China contained 1,708 fake Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” pieces (rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces) destined for an El Paso residence. After confirming with the trademark holder that the items were counterfeit, CBP officially seized the shipment on April 21. Though declared as accessories worth only $15,480, the authentic retail value would have exceeded $9.2 million.
El Paso CBP Director Hector Mancha warned that counterfeit purchases potentially support criminal enterprises involved in money laundering, forced labor, and organized crime.
US Customs and Border Protection – April 22, 2025
China
April 21, 2025 – In an effort to crack down on anime piracy to support rights holders, Chinese authorities arrested the operator of a huge anime piracy website. Over 1,000 unauthorized anime downloads and streams were shut down and the anime piracy ring was dismantled. The bust, following pressure from streaming services and international content creators, was initially reported by South China Morning Post. The suspect built a lucrative business trafficking in premium-quality anime uploads without obtaining licensing.
Otakukart – Steve Markus Johanson – April 21, 2025
Spain
April 18, 2025 – In March, the Fiscal Patrol Unit of Vecindario conducted a major counterfeit goods operation in Gran Canaria, confiscating products valued at over €180,000 ($204,182). Officials noted the “high level of perfection and quality” in the fake merchandise presentation. The investigation uncovered counterfeit sportswear, including football kits bearing national club colors and emblems, being sold outside official retail channels. Agents traced the goods to a distribution warehouse containing fake designer handbags and fashion accessories.
Authorities identified “garment laundering” techniques where generic clothing is modified with industrially produced logos to mimic high-end brands. Investigations continue, with the possibility of further legal action.
Canarian Weekly – April 18, 2025
Thailand
May 4, 2025 – Consumer Protection Police Division officers confiscated over 28,000 bottles of fake luxury perfume during raids on four Bangkok warehouses on May 1. The counterfeit merchandise included fraudulent Coco Chanel Paris, Burberry Hero, Louis Vuitton, and YSL products. The Chinese warehouse owner was arrested following a lead from a Thai man previously detained in March for selling fake perfume. Investigators found additional evidence at the suspect’s Thonburi District apartment.
Police allege the operation involved importing low-quality, unbranded perfume and repackaging it with counterfeit luxury branding. The total seizure included 34,806 fake perfume and cosmetic items valued at 4.36 million baht ($133,415). The suspect faces charges of selling both unlicensed cosmetics and counterfeit products.
The Nation, Thailand – May 4, 2025
United Kingdom
May 16, 2025 – Swansea Council Trading Standards officers, supported by Met Police and brand representatives, conducted one of the UK’s largest multi-agency operations, seizing counterfeit toys valued between £6-10 million ($8-13.44 million) from four warehouses in Southall, London. The operation followed a Christmas seizure in Swansea city center that led investigators to track the distribution source to the London industrial estate. The fake toys mimicked popular brands including Pokémon, Peppa Pig, Star Wars, and Marvel.
Testing revealed some counterfeit items contained banned phthalate chemicals linked to cancer and hormone disruption. Trading Standards Lead Officer Rhys Harries noted these dangerous products were destined for high streets across the UK, posing risks to children and legitimate brand owners.