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 file-sharing technology have 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.
2026: January – March
2025: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
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: January-March 2026
California | Florida | Massachusetts | New York | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Texas | Utah | Washington | Worldwide: China | Philippines | South Africa | South Korea | Thailand | United Kingdom
California
January 29, 2026 – A 59-year-old California man received 37 months in prison for fabricating fake jewelry attributed to the celebrated Hopi artist Charles Loloma. Between 2008 and 2015, he created counterfeit pieces in his residence and marketed them as genuine Loloma works through eBay and private transactions. The man defrauded more than 10 collectors of approximately $500,000. After initially pleading guilty in 2021, he withdrew his plea and attempted delaying tactics, including faking cognitive impairment. A federal jury ultimately convicted him on wire fraud, mail fraud, and Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations. He must also pay $134,443.60 in restitution.
U.S. Department of Justice – January 29, 2026
February 6, 2026 – Federal authorities confiscated over 276,000 counterfeit sports items valued at $33.4 million ahead of Super Bowl LX through Operation Team Player. The initiative was led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, in partnership with major sports leagues. This group combats criminal networks that exploit online platforms to sell counterfeit merchandise. Officials warn that these purchases endanger consumers’ financial data and personal information and harm legitimate businesses and American employment. The crackdown represents a slight decrease from last year’s $39.5 million seizure. Investigators emphasize that counterfeit sales have surged as criminals increasingly use fraudulent websites and social media rather than traditional stadium vendors.
ON3 – Grant Grubbs – February 6, 2026
March 10, 2026 – A San Diego man faces federal charges after allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-dollar counterfeit postage stamp operation. Beginning in July 2024, he reportedly used an online marketplace to sell fraudulent U.S. stamps. With these bogus stamps manufactured in China, he made over $6 million in illicit profits. Authorities intercepted more than one million fake stamps across five packages.
The California man allegedly funneled criminal earnings into purchasing a San Diego residence. The charges—Mail Fraud, Selling Counterfeit Stamps, and Money Laundering—carry a combined maximum sentence of 35 years imprisonment.
United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California – March 10, 2026
March 23, 2026 – Police arrested an 18-year-old Salinas resident, suspected of selling counterfeit clothing online. He dealt in fake products from luxury brands such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and other prominent labels. He is also accused of accepting payment without fulfilling orders. Officials found 19 pairs of fake shoes and other counterfeit clothing. The man was booked into Monterey County Jail, facing charges that include fraud.
KSBW Action News – Richard Tovar – March 23, 2026
Florida
February 19, 2026 – Miami-Dade authorities arrested a jewelry store owner allegedly trafficking counterfeit luxury goods across two storefronts. During a months-long undercover investigation, detectives made covert purchases and had items authenticated by brand specialists. All the merchandise tested was confirmed as fake.
A February 12th raid on both locations uncovered 262 fraudulent items collectively appraised at nearly $1.8 million. They included prestigious labels such as Chanel, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton. The Miami resident surrendered to the Organized Crimes Bureau and now faces felony charges for trafficking counterfeit goods exceeding $20,000 in value, remaining held without bond.
Local 10 News – David Dwork – February 19, 2026
February 27, 2026 – An anonymous tip cracked open a Palm Springs, Florida, counterfeit operation allegedly run by Cuban nationals. The pair reportedly marketed fraudulent designer merchandise across multiple social media platforms. They attracted buyers throughout South Florida from an otherwise unremarkable residential address. Following a thorough investigation, detectives executed a search warrant, uncovering a massive haul of fake footwear, accessories, and handbags. More than 20 prestigious labels were represented — including Hermès, Balenciaga, and Versace — with a combined estimated retail value of $1 million had the items been authentic.
12 News – Grace Bellinghausen – February 27, 2026
Massachusetts
February 9, 2026 – Lawrence, Massachusetts, police discovered nearly half a million dollars in fake designer merchandise at a local flea market. This counterfeit product bust followed an extended investigation. Authorities confiscated goods fraudulently branded as Nike, Adidas, and UGG, with a total legitimate retail value of approximately $457,910. The seizure included 1,807 Nike items, 821 Adidas products, and 176 UGG pieces from a vendor operating at 85 Manchester Street. Three individuals face criminal charges for trademark violations and property crimes. Following legal proceedings, all confiscated counterfeit items were incinerated in accordance with proper disposal protocols.
Boston 25 News – Maria Papadopoulos – February 9, 2026
New York
March 13, 2026 – In February and March, U.S. CBP officers at the Ports of Rochester and Buffalo intercepted multiple inbound shipments containing fraudulent designer merchandise. Careful examination revealed the goods to be trademark violations. These items included counterfeit Rolex timepieces, as well as fake jewelry, handbags, and clothing, with a combined authentic retail value exceeding $125,000.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 13, 2026
Ohio
March 10, 2026 – On February 15, CBP officials in Cincinnati intercepted 12 counterfeit luxury watches originating from Colombia. Had they been genuine, they would have had an MSRP of more than $279,000. The shipment was destined for a residence in Los Angeles. The designer watches had counterfeit trademarks from Cartier, Tissot, Invicta, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. They were confirmed counterfeit by CBP’s trade experts.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 10, 2026
Pennsylvania
February 16, 2026 – Pittsburgh U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment from China containing counterfeit luxury goods. These bogus items were handbags, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They were falsely branded as Fendi, Dior, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Louis Vuitton. Had the items been genuine, their retail value would have exceeded $307,000. After an initial inspection raised red flags, CBP specialists collaborated with the trademark holders to confirm that the goods were fake.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – February 16, 2026
Texas
March 9, 2026 – A multi-agency investigation in Rowlett dismantled a large-scale counterfeit luxury goods ring operating through Facebook Live. Acting on a tip, detectives arrested one man and issued a warrant for another. Authorities confiscated more than 62,000 fake items from brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, along with $208,000 in cash and a vehicle. The haul’s authentic retail value would have surpassed $101 million.
WFAA – Matthew Moreno – March 9, 2026
March 31, 2026 – A seemingly ordinary Mesquite, Texas home concealed a sophisticated counterfeit jewelry operation. It was described by police as one of the largest they’ve encountered. The residence doubled as a retail storefront, with fake luxury goods displayed inside and sold online. Three suspects were arrested after a warrant was executed, with officers recovering roughly 3,700 pieces of counterfeit jewelry.
The bogus merchandise was worth $70,000 on the street but potentially $9 million if genuine. A separate nearby bust netted 300 additional fake items.
WFAA – Luke Cleary – March 31, 2026
Utah
January 27, 2026 – A Utah woman faces 24 felony charges for allegedly manufacturing and distributing counterfeit Pokémon cards to unsuspecting collectors. The 29-year-old Utah resident defrauded victims out of thousands of dollars through deceptive sales practices. This sale of counterfeit collectors’ cards included a $4,500 transaction involving ten fake cards and a separate $1,500 sale. Authorities executing a search warrant discovered extensive counterfeiting equipment—printers, laminators, cameras, and heat presses—along with counterfeit cards throughout her residence. The haul included a replica of an exceedingly rare card potentially valued at over $1 million. She’s charged with theft by deception, forgery, communications fraud, and possession offenses related to forged materials.
KSL.com – Pat Reavy – January 27, 2026
Washington
January 29, 2026 – A Washington state man was convicted of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar counterfeit trading card operation. With an accomplice, the man orchestrated a scheme from 2022 to 2024, selling fraudulent Pokémon and sports cards. Focusing especially on Michael Jordan’s rookie cards, the counterfeit cards bore fabricated Professional Sports Authenticator grades. The man manipulated authentic labels by removing legitimate ratings and printing false high grades. Sometimes, he sold worthless cards for hundreds of thousands of dollars. When confronted by deceived buyers, he would refund the purchase price, retrieve the cards, and resell them to new victims. The pair defrauded collectors of over $2 million. Both face potential 20-year sentences per count.
USA Today – Natalie Neysa Alund – January 29, 2026
China
January 22, 2026 – Chinese authorities confiscated more than 105,000 counterfeit golf items during recent operations in Huizhou City, detaining eight suspects. The raids uncovered manufacturing facilities, assembly locations, and fake components bearing trademarks of major brands represented by the US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group. The coalition comprises industry leaders like Callaway-Odyssey, Titleist, PING, TaylorMade, and others. Established in 2004, they’ve removed over three million fraudulent products from circulation. In 300-plus raids worldwide, the organization has prosecuted more than 200 counterfeiters and shut down thousands of illegitimate websites. The group prioritizes consumer education about equipment safety risks.
Bunkered – Michael McEwan – January 22, 2026
Philippines
January 19, 2026 – Philippine authorities confiscated approximately 202 million pesos (US$3.4 million) in counterfeit footwear and manufacturing equipment. The seizure occurred during weekend raids across the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested seven foreign nationals. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted operations based on consumer complaints about defective online purchases and civilian informant tips. Officials seized more than 1,100 boxes of counterfeit shoes, production machinery, including injectors and molding equipment, and counterfeit Crocs. PNP leadership emphasized consumer awareness, urging shoppers to verify product authenticity, particularly online. The PNP pledged to aggressively dismantle counterfeit supply networks to protect legitimate commerce and public safety. Multiple Chinese nationals were detained.
Manila Bulletin – Aaron Recuenco – January 19, 2026
March 2, 2026 – Philippine authorities from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted simultaneous raids on two warehouses in Apalit, Pampanga. They uncovered a major counterfeit footwear manufacturing operation. Accompanied by representatives from Crocs Inc., officers executed search warrants and recovered PHP 349.6 million (US$5.7 million) worth of fake shoes. They also discovered raw resin materials and heavy production machinery. The first warehouse yielded 181 boxes of infringing footwear, along with industrial equipment. The second contained over 1,400 additional boxes. The operation targeted violations of the country’s Intellectual Property Code, though the primary suspect was absent during both raids.
The Philippine Star – Mark Ernest Villeza – March 2, 2026
South Africa
March 29, 2026 – South African police, working with crime-fighting partners, executed a sweeping nationwide crackdown on counterfeit goods. They seized items collectively valued at over R160 million (US$9.4 million). In Bellville, a multi-agency task force confiscated more than 130,000 fake products. These included branded apparel, sneakers, and watches worth R117 million (US$6.8 million). A covert counterfeit factory in Johannesburg’s CBD was shut down, with R28 million (US$1.65 million) in goods and printing equipment recovered. KwaZulu-Natal authorities intercepted R15 million (US$885,000) worth of illegal cigarettes.
South Korea
January 27, 2026 – South Korean customs dismantled a counterfeit luxury goods operation that generated 16.5 billion won (US$12 million) through online sales. The ring, led by a man in his 40s, smuggled approximately 77,000 fake designer bags, apparel, and footwear from China. The operation ran between April 2022 and February 2025. The smuggled goods included items valued at 120 billion won (US$83 million). Authorities confiscated 5,000 items and seized 8 billion won in assets, including real estate and vehicles. Customs officials also made history by capturing a hardware wallet containing 500 million won in cryptocurrency. The group operated through sophisticated distribution networks with specialized teams handling procurement and logistics.
MSN (The Chosunilbo) – Lee Hyun-jun – January 27, 2026
March 3, 2026 – South Korean customs authorities dismantled a sophisticated counterfeit POLO clothing ring. They arrested four individuals and seized roughly 50,000 fake garments valued at approximately 11 billion Korean won (US$7.2 million). The operation was cleverly designed to evade detection. Unmarked clothing was imported cheaply from China and Vietnam, then finished domestically using embroidery machines to add counterfeit logos and labels. Items costing 6,000 won (US$3.97) per piece were transformed into convincing fakes that mimicked products worth 170,000 won (US$112.49) each. Following months of undercover surveillance and warehouse raids in Gyeonggi Province, the case was referred to prosecutors.
MSN – Yu Jun-ho – March 3, 2026
Thailand
March 13, 2026 – Thai authorities raided Bangkok’s MBK Center. This shopping mall is flagged in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Notorious Markets report as Thailand’s sole physical market cited for rampant intellectual property violations. They seized over 100,000 counterfeit goods valued at 30 million baht (US$919,259). Joint teams from the Department of Intellectual Property and the Department of Special Investigation inspected 17 shops. Authorities uncovered fake clothing, footwear, handbags, and accessories mimicking brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Nike. Suspects were arrested, and MBK management pledged to terminate leases with offending vendors. Officials vowed to expand surveillance across Bangkok’s commercial hubs and online platforms to protect Thailand’s economic reputation.
March 29, 2026 – Thai customs officers in Mukdahan intercepted two sealed cargo trucks in Kalasin Province. They discovered more than 60,000 counterfeit luxury items. The clothing, bags, hats, and perfumes were valued at over 40 million baht (US$1.2 million). The bust was part of the government’s “Quick Big Win” initiative, which directed customs units to aggressively combat illegal imports. Mukdahan’s position as a key trade corridor connecting Thailand to Laos, Vietnam, and China makes it a common smuggling route for fake branded goods. The seized vehicles and merchandise were held as evidence. Suspects are facing prosecution under Thai customs and trademark legislation.
Khaosod English – March 29, 2026
United Kingdom
January 1, 2026 – In a pre-Christmas operation, local authorities seized over 400 counterfeit toys. These phony goods, including counterfeit Labubu and KPop Demon Hunter dolls, were found in Coulby Newham and the town center. In addition to being illegal, Trading Standards officers deemed the toys potentially dangerous. Due to the popularity of these dolls, many counterfeit versions have been appearing. The Intellectual Property Office reports that 259.000 fake dolls, worth around £3.5M (US$4.7M), were seized at the UK border in 2025. Labubu dolls comprised 90% of these. Counterfeit toys don’t comply with consumer protection laws, including safety regulations.
BBC – Naj Modak – January 1, 2026
January 4, 2026 – West Yorkshire police confiscated over 60,000 counterfeit cigarettes along with prohibited vaping devices during November raids across seven Dewsbury establishments. The coordinated operation involved 30 personnel from multiple agencies and detection dogs to uncover concealed merchandise valued at £84,000 (US$114,000). Authorities emphasized that these illegal goods finance organized crime while endangering public health through toxic, untested ingredients. Officials also highlighted environmental concerns. Disposable vapes contribute significantly to electronic waste through non-recyclable lithium batteries and plastics that contaminate ecosystems.
The Cool Down – Leslie Sattler – January 4, 2026
February 12, 2026 – Wolverhampton City Council’s trading standards team, working with police, raided a local shop following a public complaint. They seized over 800 suspected counterfeit clothing items, including sportswear, accessories, and footwear bearing brands like Calvin Klein, Nike, and The North Face. The confiscated goods are estimated to be worth thousands of pounds. Products will undergo further examination before any legal proceedings are initiated. The operation is part of a broader municipal effort that has also targeted illicit tobacco, vapes, and fake toys.
BBC – Vanessa Pearce – February 12, 2025
February 24, 2026 – A former techno DJ turned aviation parts broker was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. Police found that he operated an elaborate counterfeit aircraft parts scheme from his Surrey garage. Between 2019 and 2023, he forged over 60,000 authenticity certificates for engine components sold to major airlines, including Ethiopian and American Airlines. The man generated nearly £7 million (US$9.2 million) in fraudulent sales. The scam unraveled when a misfit bolt triggered an investigation, ultimately grounding planes worldwide in August 2023. Total airline losses reached £39.3 million (US$51.9 million). The bogus parts dealer was also banned from serving as a company director for eight years.
Independent – Stanley Murphy-Johns – February 24, 2026
March 9, 2026 – A multi-agency intelligence-led operation in Bury, Greater Manchester, uncovered over 5,000 counterfeit luxury goods across four connected storage units. These phony products had an estimated street value of £3.1 million (US$4.1 million). This figure is expected to climb as brand assessments continue. Officers seized fake bags, clothing, footwear, accessories, and watches bearing prestigious labels including Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Hermès. One unit had been converted into a dedicated processing and dispatch station. Authorities note that counterfeit trade ranks as the world’s second-largest source of criminal income after drugs. It frequently intersects with money laundering and human trafficking networks. A criminal investigation is now underway.