As the holiday shopping season hits its peak, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville have intercepted a massive shipment of counterfeit goods, preventing consumers from being scammed. CBP officers seized over $18 million worth of fake designer jewelry and watches that were en route to residences across the U.S.
The shipment, which originated in Hong Kong and China, was destined for homes in Arizona, Virginia, Florida, and New York. It contained 962 counterfeit items, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, a team of trade experts, identified the items as counterfeit after thorough examination.
Among the seized goods were 459 bracelets featuring logos from high-end brands like Cartier, Chanel, Fendi, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Additionally, officers discovered 43 pairs of earrings, 20 necklaces, and 440 Rolex-branded watches—all of which were fakes. Had these items been genuine, their combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) would have been $18.81 million.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of the CBP’s Chicago Field Office, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from counterfeit fraud. “Counterfeit items defraud both the consumer and legitimate businesses. Our officers are committed to working diligently to protect our economy and the American consumer,” she said. She also urged consumers to buy authentic products from reputable retailers to avoid falling victim to counterfeit scams.
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