A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure of counterfeit jewellery in Kentucky, with more than 2,100 pieces of fake jewellery discovered.
A shipment of more than fraudulent Cartier bracelets, sourced from China, was the first seizure, followed by fake necklaces, earrings, and rings with Van Cleef & Arpels branding. The following day, around 800 fake Cartier bracelets were discovered across three shipments. These shipments were destined for Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, and Michigan.
A spokesperson said that the estimated ‘street value’ of the fake jewellery was in excess of $USD25 million ($AUD38 million). Director of field operations, LaFonda Sutton-Burke, said protecting consumers and legitimate businesses was critical.
"Intellectual property theft threatens America's economic vitality and funds criminal activities and organised crime," she said.
"When consumers purchase counterfeit goods, legitimate companies lose revenue, which can force those companies to cut jobs. Our officers are dedicated to protecting private industry and consumers by removing these kinds of shipments from our commerce."
China and Hong Kong account for more than 90 per cent of intellectual property rights seizures. Sutton-Burke said the revenue generated from these fake products is often used to finance organised crime.
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