LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville intercepted four shipments containing 962 counterfeit designer items last week. The seized items, including watches, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, would have a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of more than $18 million if authentic, according to a press release from the agency.
The package, which arrived from Hong Kong and China on December 17th and 18th, contained 459 bracelets, 43 earrings, 20 necklaces and 440 watches, all from Cartier, Chanel, Fendi, Hermès and Louis. It featured the logos of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton. , Van Cleef & Arpels, Rolex. The items were confiscated for trademark infringement and were scheduled to be shipped to residences in Arizona, Virginia, Florida and New York, the release states.
“Counterfeit products deceive both consumers and legitimate businesses,” said LaFonda D. Sutton Burke, director of field operations in the Chicago field office. “Our officers are dedicated to working diligently to protect our economy and American consumers.”
The press release emphasized that counterfeit goods provide criminals with a source of income and a means of money laundering, with the proceeds potentially funding the production of further counterfeit goods and other illegal activities. CBP recommends that consumers purchase genuine products from trusted retailers to avoid these risks.
CBP has launched an educational effort to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products, and more information is available through the Truth Behind Counterfeit Products campaign. Each year, CBP seizes millions of counterfeit items, including electronics, apparel, cosmetics, and products that pose health and safety risks, as part of its mission to protect American businesses and consumers.
