Indianapolis, IN – In a significant operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized hundreds of counterfeit designer watches estimated to be worth over $2 million in total. The operation, conducted in Indianapolis, uncovered two shipments filled with counterfeit watches bearing logos from renowned brands such as Rolex, Michael Kors, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, and Pandora.
The 362 counterfeit designer watches were not only imitation but also poorly packaged and constructed, lacking the critical serial numbers. CBP officers took swift action, seizing the watches for trademark infringement, protecting the intellectual property rights of the legitimate designers.
The intended destination for these counterfeit watches was a residence in Mesquite, Texas. Had these watches been authentic, their combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price would have exceeded $2.43 million.
Both shipments originated from China, underscoring the global nature of counterfeit goods trade. LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office, emphasized the importance of such seizures, stating, “Seizures like these ensure that inferior and often dangerous goods do not reach the hands of everyday Americans. Counterfeit jewelry may contain hazardous materials, unbeknownst to the buyers. These actions protect intellectual property rights holders, the health and safety of Americans, and the reputation of online marketplaces involved in these transactions.”
Counterfeit goods trafficking serves as a source of income for criminals and a means to launder money. Profits from counterfeit product sales can be funneled into the production of fake goods or other illicit activities, further highlighting the severity of this issue.
In 2022, CBP executed nationwide operations resulting in the seizure of more than 24.5 million shipments related to Intellectual Property Rights violations. These illicit shipments, if genuine, would have amounted to nearly $3 billion. The determination that the seized items were counterfeit was made by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, a team of trade experts.
CBP encourages the public to report any suspicions of counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the United States through the e-Allegation system. This platform allows individuals to anonymously report potential violations of trade laws and regulations associated with imported goods, contributing to the fight against counterfeit goods in the U.S.
