Anti-Piracy Seizure Information
Alabama | California | Connecticut | Florida | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Nebraska | New York | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico | Tennessee | Worldwide: China | Hong Kong | Ireland | Korea | South Africa | Spain | United Kingdom
Alabama
February 22, 2025 – At the Port of Birmingham, US Customs and Border Protection confiscated 200,000 counterfeit US Forever Stamps that had originated in Hong Kong. The phony stamps were valued at $146,000. They were discovered during a sorting facility inspection, after checking two random packages. At first, the package seemed authentic, but officials realized they were counterfeit upon closer examination. In the 2024 fiscal year, 90% of intellectual property rights law violations uncovered by the CBP were from Hong Kong and China.
WSB-TV Atlanta – February 22, 2025
California
February 12, 2025 – A federal jury has found a California man guilty of wire fraud, mail fraud, and violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Prosecutors demonstrated that Haack created counterfeit jewelry mimicking the work of renowned Native American artist Charles Loloma in his California home. He sold these fake pieces on eBay for thousands of dollars each. Federal agents purchased two pieces undercover during their investigation. Loloma was a celebrated 20th-century Native American jewelry maker whose authentic works, now displayed in museums across the Southwest, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Haack faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing pending.
Connecticut
January 10, 2025 – A 24-year-old former police officer from Massachusetts was sentenced to 60 days in prison and 18 months supervised release for trafficking counterfeit luxury watches. From 2020 to 2024, while employed at Framingham State University Police Department, the officer imported fake watches from China and sold them through social media for $100-300 each. U.S. Customs seized multiple shipments totaling over 150 counterfeit watches, primarily Rolex, with an authentic retail value of approximately $3 million. Upon his April 2024 arrest, authorities found 60+ fake watches at his residence. He pleaded guilty and must forfeit $271,585 in proceeds.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut – January 10, 2025
Florida
January 28, 2025 – A 71-year-old Miami resident and former Luxottica wholesaler was arrested for selling stolen and counterfeit eyewear. Since 2020, he operated “Eye Avenue Inc.” on eBay, selling authentic stolen eyewear from EssilorLuxottica (Oakley, Ray-Ban) and counterfeit products from China. A 2022 search of his home revealed 240 pairs of stolen eyewear worth $36,000 and 150 counterfeit pairs. Documents showed he purchased over $223,000 worth of eyewear at suspiciously low prices. The Miami man was arrested and released on $15,000 bond, facing charges of grand theft and vending counterfeit goods.
March 5, 2025 – The 64-year-old owner of Couture & More in Palm Beach has been arrested and charged with selling counterfeit goods, a third-degree felony. Following a tip, police conducted an undercover investigation where a detective purchased a fake pink Chanel handbag for $635. The bag, later confirmed counterfeit by Chanel representatives, would retail for approximately $7,000 if authentic. The handbags were kept in a backroom marked “Back Room Sale.” The shop owner allegedly told the detective the bags were from a “trunk show” and warned not to tell people the handbags were real to avoid “trouble.” Chanel confirmed Bonner never had authorization to use their trademarks.
CBS12 News – Skyler Shepard – March 5, 2025
March 27, 2025 – A Florida man was initially stopped in Volusia County for driving with a suspended Michigan license, but Florida Highway Patrol discovered 125 counterfeit Apple AirPods and 400 of another brand in the vehicle. They became suspicious when they saw that nearly all the devices had the same serial numbers. An investigation company found that the serial numbers were non-existent, the products were of poor quality, and there were packaging errors, confirming that the AirPods were counterfeit. The fake AirPods had a retail value of $23,565. The Florida resident now faces charges related to counterfeiting private labels in addition to his driving offense.
WESH – Allison Petro – March 27, 2025
Illinois
February 20, 2025 – A 38 year old Highland woman has pleaded guilty to trafficking counterfeit goods. From October 2019 through January 2022, the Illinois resident operated a business under various names including “Emily’s Creative Creations” and “Emily’s She Shed,” selling fake designer products through Facebook and from her home. She imported counterfeit cosmetics, purses, clothing, and accessories from overseas that infringed on trademarks owned by major brands including Nike, Christian Dior, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, and Michael Kors. The woman faces up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $2 million, with sentencing scheduled for July 1 in East St. Louis federal court.
United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Illinois – February 20, 2025
Indiana
January 29, 2025 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Indianapolis recently intercepted two shipments from China containing over 2,100 pieces of counterfeit luxury jewelry. The seizures, made on January 21 and 23, included fake items bearing trademarks of Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Juste Un. The counterfeit goods consisted of charms, bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, brooches, and earrings. If genuine, the items would have been worth $5.2 million.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Southern District of Illinois – January 29, 2025
March 6, 2025 – On March 4, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a shipment containing 148 pieces of counterfeit luxury jewelry at an Indianapolis Express Consignment Operations hub. The fake items included 93 Cartier bracelets, 15 Tiffany & Co. necklaces, 15 pairs of Tiffany & Co. earrings, 10 pairs of Cartier earrings, 9 Hermes bracelets, and 6 Louis Vuitton bracelets. The shipment originated from China and was bound for Nashville, Tennessee. CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise confirmed the items violated protected trademarks registered for border enforcement. Had the jewelry been authentic, its retail value would have totaled $4.62 million.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 6, 2025
Kentucky
February 6, 2025 – In January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville intercepted 28 shipments of counterfeit designer jewelry with a combined retail value of $27.5 million. The fake items, primarily from China and Hong Kong, included watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings destined for various U.S. locations. The Chicago Field Office Director emphasized that counterfeit goods cost U.S. businesses billions while eliminating jobs and tax revenue. For three consecutive years, jewelry, watches, and handbags/wallets have been the top commodities seized for intellectual property infringement. China and Hong Kong remain the primary sources for counterfeit items, accounting for approximately 90% of all seizures in Fiscal Year 2024.
US Customs and Border Protection – February 6, 2025
February 11, 2025 – Louisville Customs and Border Protection intercepted a shipment that was labeled “women’s yoga sweatpants.” Inside, they found 109 counterfeit watches masquerading as genuine Audemars Piquet, Rolex, Patek Phillippee, and Cartier watches, and 87 phony Louis Vuitton hats—and not one pair of sweatpants. If authentic, the MSRP for these products would have been $3 million.
Wave – Julia Huffman – February 11, 2025
Louisiana
February 5, 2025 – Operation Team Player, a collaboration between federal agencies and sports leagues, seized $39.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The operation confiscated over 214,507 counterfeit items including t-shirts, jerseys, and memorabilia. Since its 2013 launch, the initiative has seized $455 million in fake merchandise. Officials from the IPR Center, New Orleans Police Department, CBP, and NFL emphasized their commitment to protecting consumers from counterfeit goods, particularly given the rise of deceptive e-commerce practices. Local and federal authorities will monitor illegal vendors during Super Bowl events.
Homeland Security Investigations – February 5, 2025
Maryland
March 7, 2025 – On February 25, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Baltimore intercepted over 10,000 cases of counterfeit vinyl flooring tiles. The China-originated shipment, valued at $72,422 if authentic, was headed to Sheridan, Wyoming before being initially examined on January 28. The vinyl flooring tiles had unauthorized L2C trademarks and UL Greenguard certification. After detaining the shipment on January 30, CBP’s Industrial and Manufacturing Materials experts confirmed both markings were used without authorization.
The UL Greenguard certification normally guarantees low chemical emissions (VOCs), while L2C helps detect infringing products. The Baltimore Port Director warned that counterfeit flooring poses dual risks: potential health hazards from substandard materials and voided manufacturer warranties.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 7, 2025
Massachusetts
February 5, 2025 – The owner of Family Sneaker House in Milford was arrested for selling counterfeit luxury brand shoes sourced from a Chinese distributor. Police discovered over 1,200 counterfeit items worth more than $200,000 at the store in December. The investigation involved counterfeit Adidas, Gucci, Nike, and Louis Vuitton products. The store owner has agreed to provide refunds to customers who present their receipts to authorities. Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino emphasized that such counterfeiting operations harm both corporations and consumers.
25 News – Bryan Lambert and Boston 25 News Staff – February 5, 2025
Nebraska
January 16, 2025 – A 62-year-old Columbus, Nebraska woman, was sentenced in federal court for selling counterfeit merchandise through her online store, Bugaboo Boutique. The case began when CBP agents discovered fake goods shipped from China at an Anchorage FedEx facility. Items included counterfeit Chanel earrings, Birkenstock sandals, Ray Ban sunglasses, and Louis Vuitton shoes and bags. Facebook records revealed that the woman knowingly sold fake items, marketing them as “inspired by” name brands at lower prices. Judge Bazis sentenced her to time served, a $12,000 fine, and $1,935 in restitution to two victims.
WOWT – Gina Dvorak – January 15, 2025
New York
January 7, 2025 – From December 2024 through January 6, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Champlain, New York intercepted multiple jewelry shipments on grounds of possible trademark infringement. They discovered that the shipments contained counterfeit Tiffany & Co. jewelry. These packages were determined to violate Intellectual Property Rights. If the products had been authentic, they would have been worth approximately $29,989.
US Customs and Border Protection – January 7, 2025
Ohio
March 6, 2025 – Federal agents arrested a 25-year-old Turkish citizen for allegedly trafficking counterfeit merchandise from kiosks at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Ohio. The man illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico in September 2022 and was ordered removed in January 2024 but received employment authorization while appealing. He allegedly sold counterfeit soccer jerseys from teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, and oversized slippers that resembled sneakers with unauthorized Air Jordan and Nike trademarks.
Investigators purchased counterfeit Nike slippers with the unauthorized Swoosh logo and a fake Messi jersey. Agents executed a search warrant and seized numerous counterfeit items from his kiosks. Trafficking counterfeit goods carries up to 10 years imprisonment.
United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio – March 6, 2025
Pennsylvania
March 11, 2025 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized four shipments of counterfeit luxury facial creams valued at $28,550 in Allentown, Pennsylvania between February 26 and March 1, 2025. The seizures included:
- 60 boxes of fake Estee Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Moisturizer from Hong Kong ($8,400)
- 50 boxes of counterfeit Estee Lauder anti-aging creams from China ($7,000)
- 50 boxes of fake SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore from Hong Kong ($7,750)
- 50 boxes of counterfeit Clinique Smart Clinical Repair serum from Hong Kong ($5,400)
CBP also seized 3,000 counterfeit Sharpie pens worth $1,530 from China.
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center warns that counterfeit cosmetics often contain cancer-causing chemicals, urine, and other dangerous substances that can cause acne, eczema, and health problems.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 11, 2025
Puerto Rico
March 6, 2025 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in San Juan seized a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry worth $3.5 million, had it been authentic. The consignment was destined for a residence in Guaynabo, originating in China. There were 660 bogus Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Alhambra’ jewelry items such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – March 6, 2025
Tennessee
March 7, 2025 – A Memphis man faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged with stealing pre-release movies while working at a DVD distribution company. From February 2021 to March 2022, he allegedly stole and sold unreleased Blu-rays and DVDs of major films including “Dune,” “Godzilla vs. Kong,” “F9: The Fast Saga,” and “Black Widow.”
The Department of Justice charged him with two counts of criminal copyright infringement (5 years each) and one count of transportation of stolen goods (10 years). A digital copy of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” that the man allegedly leaked was downloaded millions of times, causing Sony Pictures Entertainment tens of millions in estimated losses.
Fortune – Amanda Gerut – March 7, 2025
China
January 31, 2025 – Aupen, a popular luxury handbag brand favored by celebrities, collaborated with Chinese authorities to raid Baorun Leather Products Co. Ltd. in Guangdong province for producing counterfeit goods. The operation led to the seizure of $150,000 worth of fake bags and the imprisonment of a factory foreman and ringleaders—a total of nine individuals. The investigation began when Aupen discovered counterfeit versions of their products being sold on Alibaba and other Asian e-commerce platforms. Company founder Nicholas Tan emphasized that authentic Aupen products are only sold direct-to-consumer through Aupen.com.
Women’s Wear Daily – Lisa Lockwood – February 4, 2025
March 12, 2025 – Shure Incorporated, working with two other audio brands, successfully dismantled a large Chinese counterfeit operation discovered in May 2023. The network comprised nine entities operating over 80 online stores targeting Southeast Asian customers.
Through collaboration with IP services firm Rouse and Chinese partner Lusheng, coordinated raids were conducted by Guangdong Province Public Security Bureau in August 2023. Forensic investigation revealed $1.7 million in counterfeit sales, including nearly $900,000 of fake Shure products.
In December 2024, seven suspects received prison sentences ranging from two to four and a half years plus $1.1 million in fines. Shure and another brand also secured significant compensation settlements.
Commercial Integrator – March 12, 2025
Hong Kong
February 17, 2025 – On January 28, Hong Kong Customs officers conducted an intelligence-led operation against counterfeiting activities in Yuen Long. During inspections of three batches of stored goods in two logistics warehouses, officers discovered approximately 11,000 suspected counterfeit items, primarily clothing and scarves, with an estimated market value of $5.8 million. The investigation remains ongoing with potential arrests not ruled out. Hong Kong Customs has pledged to continue strengthening inspections and intelligence-led enforcement against counterfeit goods at all levels.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, importing or exporting goods with forged trademarks carries maximum penalties of $500,000 in fines and five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – February 17, 2025
Ireland
January 31, 2025 – Dublin police seized luxury products worth thousands of euros along with €25,710 (US $26,700) during two searches in the city. At a home and business in the areas, they discovered 180 suspected fake Apple Air Pod Max headphones. In addition, they found 185 counterfeit Otterbox mobile phone cases and luxury goods from Balenciaga, Gucci, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. They have not made any arrests and Investigations are ongoing.
March 25, 2025 – Irish Revenue officers conducted a nationwide crackdown last week, confiscating contraband valued at nearly €570,000 across Dublin, the Midlands, Rosslare, and Waterford. The intelligence-led operations yielded an array of illegal items including:
- Drugs: 3kg of cocaine (€205,000 or $231,319), 14kg of cannabis (€280,500 or $316,523), cannabis resin, and various tablets
- Weapons: samurai sword, tactical gauntlets with throwing knives, hunting knife, and smoke generators
- Counterfeit goods: 395 fake designer items (€40,000 or $45,137) including footwear (Asics, Crocs, Adidas), clothing, and luxury perfumes (Dior, Chanel)
- Tobacco: 19,700 cigarettes and 2kg of rolling tobacco
Three individuals were arrested at Dublin Airport after cocaine was found in their luggage. The contraband originated from multiple countries, including the USA, UK, and various European nations.
MSN – Thomas Lawrance – March 25, 2025
Korea
February 20, 2025 – Seoul authorities arrested two South Koreans for operating a sophisticated counterfeit luxury goods operation in Myeong-dong. The raid yielded 1,200 fake luxury items worth 3.82 billion won ($2.66 million), including 125 watches, 434 bags, 461 wallets, and various clothing items.
The operation employed a clever scheme: the actual owner (Suspect A) hired a “dummy owner” (Suspect B) to evade penalties. Despite being investigated five times over six years, the business remained profitable with annual earnings of 200 million won ($143,500) against minimal 12 million won ($8,610) fines.
The sophisticated setup included a legitimate storefront with a hidden shop concealed behind a wall, accessible only to foreign customers who found the business through Instagram. The secret 30-pyeong space (approximately 1,067.50 square feet) displayed counterfeit goods like an upscale mall.
South Korean trademark law permits seven-year prison sentences for such violations.
The Chosun Daily – Kim Ja-Ah, Kim Seo-young – February 20, 2025
South Africa
February 1, 2025 – In January, South African Police Service conducted multiple operations in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. They seized over 70,000 counterfeit items worth R90 million and arrested 37 suspects. The raids targeted fake cellphones, cigarettes, clothing, toys, pharmaceuticals, and consumables. The operations were conducted by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, working with various agencies including SARS Customs, Home Affairs, and brand protectors. Support came from specialized units including the Tactical Response Team and drone pilots as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
South African Police Service – February 1, 2025
Spain
March 17, 2025 – Spanish authorities have arrested nine members of a family criminal enterprise in Malaga that operated a sophisticated pay-tv piracy network. The operation, which defrauded legitimate providers of an estimated €5+ million (US $5.6 million), used a chain of companies to process illegal payments from users seeking discounted access to premium content.
The group employed set-top boxes with illegal software connected to card sharing servers to distribute protected content. They laundered proceeds through real estate acquisitions valued at over €3.2 million (US $3.6 million).
The investigation began in December 2023 following a complaint from EGEDA, Spain’s audiovisual producers’ rights management organization. This enforcement action aligns with broader anti-piracy initiatives being pursued by La Liga and Spanish telecommunications companies.
Advanced Television – David Del Valle – March 17, 2025
United Kingdom
March 15, 2025 – South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council’s Trading Standards Team conducted a joint operation on March 5 that netted approximately £370,000 ($495,496) worth of counterfeit merchandise from a business in Dinnington, Rotherham. The seized items included electronic devices, counterfeit vapes, vape liquids, and cartridges.
Inspector Darren Birley emphasized that the fake vapes posed significant health risks to consumers while undercutting legitimate businesses. The Rotherham South Neighbourhood Policing Team initiated the inspection following community reports.