CHICAGO, IL - In April, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents intercepted shipments that included millions of dollars worth of counterfeit watches and thousands of fake licenses at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
According to CBS News, there were 485 shipments, 145 of which contained 516 counterfeit watches and 340 other shipments containing 4,345 counterfeit driver's licenses. All of the shipments came from Hong Kong and China.
The watches featured logos of popular brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, and Audemars Piguet. If genuine, they would have a suggested retail price of $9.22 million. The counterfeit licenses were destined for locations across the United States.
CBP said, "Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America's innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers." According to reports, under U.S. law, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue international driver's licenses.
CBP officials warned that counterfeit documents pose serious risks, as they are often exploited by criminal networks, including terrorist organizations and fraud operations, to obscure illegal activity.
These seizures underscore the increasing challenge posed by counterfeit goods in the age of e-commerce, where fake products can be easily marketed and distributed to unsuspecting consumers nationwide. CBP continues to combat intellectual property theft and document fraud at the nation's 328 ports of entry, with a focus on preserving economic security and public safety.
Officials said that efforts like these protect both U.S. businesses an consumers from the far-reaching impacts of counterfeit goods. According to the Dallas Express, the recent bust is just another score by CBP amid growing risks posted by the global counterfeit market.
With online retailers making it easier for Americans to buy products worldwide, experts estimate that Americans spend more than $100 billion annually on counterfeit and pirated merchandise, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the global counterfeit trade.
CBP had another large-scale counterfeit jewelry bust at the end of April, which was also valued at $9.2 million. CBP agents at the El Paso port of entry intercepted a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry. If the items had been authentic, their total estimated retail value would have been over $9 million.
The package, which originated in China, was flagged on April 9th before reaching its intended delivery address near El Paso. Inside were 1,708 fake rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets mimicking pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels' popular "Alhambra" collection.
Originally declared as low-cost "accessories and bracelets" worth just $15,480, the shipment was seized on April 21st after CBP confirmed with the brand's trademark holder that the goods were counterfeit. The CBP has previously urged online shoppers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and advised buying directly from brands or authorized retailers, especially for more high-priced or in-demand items.
According to CBS News, there were 485 shipments, 145 of which contained 516 counterfeit watches and 340 other shipments containing 4,345 counterfeit driver's licenses. All of the shipments came from Hong Kong and China.
The watches featured logos of popular brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, and Audemars Piguet. If genuine, they would have a suggested retail price of $9.22 million. The counterfeit licenses were destined for locations across the United States.
CBP said, "Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America's innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers." According to reports, under U.S. law, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue international driver's licenses.
CBP officials warned that counterfeit documents pose serious risks, as they are often exploited by criminal networks, including terrorist organizations and fraud operations, to obscure illegal activity.
These seizures underscore the increasing challenge posed by counterfeit goods in the age of e-commerce, where fake products can be easily marketed and distributed to unsuspecting consumers nationwide. CBP continues to combat intellectual property theft and document fraud at the nation's 328 ports of entry, with a focus on preserving economic security and public safety.
Officials said that efforts like these protect both U.S. businesses an consumers from the far-reaching impacts of counterfeit goods. According to the Dallas Express, the recent bust is just another score by CBP amid growing risks posted by the global counterfeit market.
With online retailers making it easier for Americans to buy products worldwide, experts estimate that Americans spend more than $100 billion annually on counterfeit and pirated merchandise, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the global counterfeit trade.
CBP had another large-scale counterfeit jewelry bust at the end of April, which was also valued at $9.2 million. CBP agents at the El Paso port of entry intercepted a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry. If the items had been authentic, their total estimated retail value would have been over $9 million.
The package, which originated in China, was flagged on April 9th before reaching its intended delivery address near El Paso. Inside were 1,708 fake rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets mimicking pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels' popular "Alhambra" collection.
Originally declared as low-cost "accessories and bracelets" worth just $15,480, the shipment was seized on April 21st after CBP confirmed with the brand's trademark holder that the goods were counterfeit. The CBP has previously urged online shoppers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and advised buying directly from brands or authorized retailers, especially for more high-priced or in-demand items.
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