Federal authorities and the NYPD seized over $1 billion worth of knock-off designer handbags and shoes in the largest bust in U.S. history.
The raid in Manhattan’s storage facility led to the confiscation of around 219,000 counterfeit luxury products.
Two men were arrested and charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, potentially facing a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The operation was described as a large-scale trafficking operation, and authorities emphasized the impact on legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers.
Around 219,000 counterfeit goods seized in largest knockoff bust in U.S. historyhttps://t.co/rNeFOTm3n9 pic.twitter.com/O7fhltBeg2
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 16, 2023
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “The seizures announced today consist of merchandise with over a billion dollars in estimated retail value, the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban added, “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers.”
“Today’s indictments show how seriously the NYPD and our federal partners take this offense, and we will continue to work hard to hold accountable anyone who seeks to benefit by selling such items on the black market,” continued the law enforcement official.
Ivan Arvelo, an agent assigned to Homeland Security Investigations also cautioned about the prevelence of fraudulant products going in into the holiday season.
“One purse might seem harmless, but the production and sale of imitation products is far from a victimless crime,” Arvelo explained.
“We will not allow opportunists to convert public warehouses into their own illegal shopping centers, or to wreak havoc on the streets of New York City,” promised the special agent.
They also warned consumers about the implications of buying counterfeit items.
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