New York authorities conducted the largest seizure of counterfeit products in U.S. history.
Bags, shoes, clothing and all kinds of luxury goods and items have been discovered by federal police and are believed to be worth more than $1 billion.
The operation saw the arrest of two people who were involved in trafficking in counterfeit goods at a warehouse in the city and other areas between January and October.
“The seizures announced today involve goods with an estimated retail value of more than $1 billion, the largest seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
According to prosecutors, these individuals used a Manhattan facility as a distribution center for thousands of counterfeit products from renowned designers.
The counterfeit goods are worth more than $1 billion. Photo: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
In this way, around 219,000 bags, shoes and other items were stored in the warehouses. The pictures also show huge shelves full of goods that the authorities had to completely search.
The defendant faces ten years in prison
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said those involved, Adama Sow and Abdulai Jalloh, could face up to 10 years in prison if proven guilty.
New York Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban said this type of crime affects businesses, governments and consumers.
“Law enforcement and our federal partners take this crime very seriously. And we will continue to work hard to hold accountable anyone who seeks to profit by selling such items on the black market,” he said.
In New York and many cities around the world, there are usually dozens of street vendors selling all sorts of items at very reasonable prices compared to the real thing.
These knockoffs of well-known clothing, sportswear and jewelry brands move millions of dollars around the world.
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