Anti-Piracy Seizure Information
Alabama | California | Delaware | Florida | Kentucky | New York | Ohio | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Texas | Virginia | Worldwide: France | Hong Kong | Ireland | Italy | Singapore | United Kingdom
Alabama
July 17, 2024 – Two Malaysian men were arrested in Baldwin County, Alabama, for a sophisticated counterfeit Apple product scheme. During a traffic stop on I-65, deputies discovered nearly $50,000 worth of fake Apple devices. The suspects would purchase genuine Apple products, create counterfeit items with forged serial numbers, and return these to Target stores for refunds. The authentic products were then shipped to China. The operation spanned multiple states, involving Target stores from Louisiana to Florida, and has attracted investigation from the Department of Homeland Security. The men are charged with trafficking stolen identities and theft of trade secrets.
News 5 WKRG – Summer Poole, Debbie Williams, Neil Costes – July 17, 2024
California
July 18, 2024 – A court sentenced a 63-year-old California man to 3.5 years in prison for defrauding the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency. He sold over $3.5 million in counterfeit and used fan assemblies, falsely representing them as new. The man created fake labels, some using another company’s trademarks, and fabricated tracing documents to deceive investigators. The counterfeit fans were potentially intended for critical military equipment, including a nuclear submarine, aircraft laser system, and surface-to-air missile system. By attaching fraudulent labels and using a false identity, he systematically misled the DLA about the origin and condition of the fan assemblies.
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs – July 18, 2024
August 3, 2024 – Two men—one from Calexico, California and the other from Los Angeles—were convicted of manufacturing and trafficking counterfeit Levi’s jeans. The Calexico resident smuggled fake Levi’s components from Mexico into the United States. The counterfeit goods were then delivered to the other man’s Los Angeles factory. Authorities seized tens of thousands of counterfeit tags, buttons, and rivets, along with over 2,000 fake jeans sold at local swap meets. The Levi’s Global Brand Protection director testified that the defendants were not affiliated with the company. They face up to 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine, with sentencing scheduled for November 1, 2024.
Tank Town Media – August 3, 2024
August 15, 2024 – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego seized over 1,600 counterfeit sports merchandise items worth $143,000 in two separate operations. The first operation targeted San Diego Padres merchandise, seizing 1,163 counterfeit items valued at $86,000. The second operation focused on Manchester United F.C. merchandise, resulting in 521 counterfeit items valued at $57,000. These seizures were part of Operation Team Player, an annual initiative to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise from reaching consumers. Between February 2023 and February 2024, approximately 94,000 counterfeit sports items worth an estimated $28.1 million were seized.
Homeland Security Investigations – Department of Homeland Security – August 15, 2024
Delaware
September 13, 2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Delaware seized over 200 counterfeit Lululemon belt bags from two separate shipments originating in China. The first shipment of 136 bags was discovered on August 8. The second shipment of 141 bags was found on August 16, and both were destined for a Wilmington address. Customs officials verified the bags were counterfeit and seized the shipments on August 26 and September 6. The counterfeit bags would have been worth approximately $13,000 if authentic.
NBC Philadelphia – Cherise Lynch – September 13, 2024
September 24, 2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Wilmington, Delaware, seized a shipment of 26 counterfeit luxury handbags valued at $151,431 if authentic. The shipment arrived from China, destined for a Newark address, and included fake bags from brands like Hermes, Chanel, Goyard, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. After initial inspection on September 4 and verification by trade experts, the counterfeit handbags were seized on September 20, 2024. This seizure follows a previous interception of 277 counterfeit Lululemon belt bags worth nearly $13,000 two weeks earlier, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – September 24, 2024
Florida
September 11, 2024 – A father and son, aged 72 and 40, were arrested for selling counterfeit luxury goods at their Miami store. Homeland Security Investigations conducted multiple controlled purchases, buying fake items from brands including Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Trademark experts verified the merchandise was counterfeit. A search warrant executed at the business revealed approximately $3 million worth of fake luxury items and equipment used to manufacture them. They were booked into jail, facing multiple charges related to selling counterfeit merchandise. The investigation spanned from March to August 2024.
NBC Miami – Brian Hamacher – September 11, 2024
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 Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, 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.
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, handbags, wallets, watches, and sneakers. There were also dietary supplements and beauty products. All items were determined to be inauthentic and bore counterfeit trademarks. The supplements and beauty items 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
September 4, 2024 – A 48-year-old Ontario importer pleaded guilty to trafficking counterfeit merchandise, specifically Vera Bradley bags. Between October 2016 and August 2017, he ordered counterfeit bags from a Chinese manufacturer, importing them into the United States through New York while using fraudulent documentation. The total value of the counterfeit goods was $4.2 million. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and the man faces up to 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. His sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2024.
United States Attorney’s Office – Western District of New York – September 4, 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. 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
Oklahoma
July 26, 2024 – Three individuals were sentenced for a massive software piracy scheme involving Avaya telephone system software licenses. One, who was an Avaya system administrator, used his privileges to generate unauthorized software license keys, which another then sold globally at significantly reduced prices. The total retail value of the pirated licenses exceeded $88 million. The defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to four years and ordered to pay millions in forfeiture and restitution. The Avaya employee received the longest sentence of four years and was ordered to forfeit $4 million. The FBI investigated the case.
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs – July 26, 2024
July 30, 2024 – During a traffic stop in Edmond, police arrested a local woman after discovering numerous counterfeit Apple products and jewelry in her car. The initial stop was for an improper turn, which revealed a suspended license and marijuana odor. Officers found fake Apple watches, iPhones, and AirPods with duplicated serial numbers, along with gold-plated costume jewelry and price tag stickers. She claimed the items were for her children and that her family are influencers. The counterfeit products had been weighted to mimic genuine items. She was charged with traffic violations, controlled dangerous substance possession, and violating the Anti-Counterfeiting Act.
OKC Fox 25 – Alexandra Sharfman – July 30, 2024
South Carolina
July 17, 2024 – During a traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 95 in Florence County, South Carolina, deputies discovered $30,000 worth of counterfeit Apple products in the vehicle of a Hazleton, Pennsylvania man. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, law enforcement seized the fake items. The Pennsylvania resident was subsequently arrested and charged with distribution of counterfeit goods, a crime that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
WTFF4 – Zach Rainey – July 18, 2024
Texas
August 6, 2024 – In Kempner, Texas, a multi-agency law enforcement operation executed a search warrant at a residence on U.S. Highway 190, seizing millions of dollars in counterfeit trademarked goods. The operation involved multiple law enforcement divisions and trademark representatives. Preliminary estimates value the counterfeit items between $3-8 million. Two suspects were arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Fraudulent Possession of Identifying Information.
Concho Valley Homepage – Matt McGovern – August 6, 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
Hong Kong
August 15, 2024 – Hong Kong Customs intercepted approximately 15,000 suspected counterfeit items valued at around $1.1 million during an inspection at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point. The seizure occurred when officers examined a truck carrying cross-border e-commerce and household goods from Dongguan, Guangdong. The counterfeit goods included mobile phones, mobile phone cases, clothing, and cables. Customs officials determined that the items were intended to be transshipped to overseas regions. The investigation is currently ongoing, with authorities continuing to investigate the origin and destination of these suspected counterfeit products.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – August 15, 2024
Ireland
September 14, 2024 – A 41-year-old Dublin-based businessman was arrested and charged with money laundering related to an international 9.7 million euros (US $10.2 million) iPhone fraud scheme. Investigators allege he was a key figure in a complex operation involving “zombie” counterfeit Apple phones. The scheme involved shipping fake Chinese phones to Ireland, applying genuine IMEI numbers, and exchanging them for real iPhones to be sold in Asia. Authorities seized over 170,460 euros (US $179,500) in cash from multiple locations and froze 14 associated bank accounts. He was denied bail due to flight risk concerns, with 9,761 counterfeit phones confirmed in the investigation spanning from 2019 to 2021.
MSN – Tom Tuite – September 14, 2024
Italy
September 13, 2024 – Italian tax police seized counterfeit Chinese video game consoles and games from the 1980s and 1990s worth nearly 50 million euros (US $52.6 million). The Guardia di Finanza confiscated approximately 12,000 gaming consoles across multiple provinces, which contained over 47 million pirated game copies. These unauthorized devices lacked the required EU safety labels and had non-certified batteries and electrical circuits. The counterfeit items were being sold in shopping malls, online marketplaces, and on Italian company websites. As a result of the operation, nine Italian nationals were placed under investigation for fraudulent trading and copyright infringement, and the seized video games were destroyed.
Reuters – Sara Rossi – September 13, 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. 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.
Singapore Police Force – July 2, 2024
August 9, 2024 – Singapore police conducted two separate operations targeting the online sale of counterfeit goods, resulting in four arrests. In the first operation, officers seized over 13,000 items worth S$490,000 (US $363,000), including fake household items, cosmetics, and perfumes near Sims Drive and Boon Lay. A second raid at Admiralty Drive resulted in the seizure of more than 270 counterfeit bags valued at S$40,000 (US $29,640). The total value of seized goods exceeded S$530,000 (US $392.779). The arrested individuals, aged between 30 and 37, face potential fines up to US $74,106, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Police investigations are ongoing.
The Star – Ian Cheng – August 9, 2024
August 28, 2024 – Singapore police and customs authorities arrested a 42-year-old woman for allegedly importing and possessing counterfeit apparel valued at over $142,000 (US $105,000). During an operation between August 15-19, officers seized more than 14,200 pieces of trademark-infringing clothing through raids in Bukit Batok West Avenue 6 and Bukit Batok Street 22. The investigation began after information from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Customs. If convicted, the woman faces potential penalties of up to five years in jail, a fine of US $74,106, or both. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of intellectual property rights infringement.
The Straits Times – Rhea Yasmine – August 28, 2024
United Kingdom
July 15, 2024 – Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards Service seized over 3,800 non-compliant disposable vapes and counterfeit goods worth more than £50,000 (US $63,877) from a business premises in Ashington. The operation targeted a shop supplying vaping products with puff counts far exceeding legal limits. Counterfeit items included watches from brands like Rolex and Omega, along with handbags and clothing. The business is now under criminal investigation.
Northumberland County Council – July 15, 2024
August 5, 2024 – A 46-year-old Salisbury woman was convicted of selling counterfeit designer handbags between 2020 and 2022. Despite multiple warnings from Wiltshire Council Trading Standards, she continued selling fake bags through Facebook. In June 2022, officers raided her home and seized 361 handbags, with 344 confirmed as counterfeit from brands including Armani, Burberry, and Versace. The court sentenced her to a 12-month suspended prison sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work, and ordered her to pay £12,958 (US $13,646) in costs.