In one of the largest counterfeit busts of the year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have seized more than $9 million worth of fake luxury watches and over 4,000 counterfeit driver’s licenses.
The interceptions occurred at some of the biggest entry points into America, including the Chicago O’Hare Airport, the Northern International Mail Facility, and two major cargo screening hubs, according to a CBP media release.
All 485 shipments of fake watches and counterfeit licenses allegedly originated from Hong Kong and China.
CBP officers confiscated 516 counterfeit watches bearing the forged logos of luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, and Audemars Piguet. If genuine, the watches would have pulled in a “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price” of over $9.22 million.
In addition to the counterfeit watches, CBP agents discovered 340 separate shipments containing fake driver’s licenses and 4,345 fraudulent IDs. The licenses were destined for addresses all across America and closely resembled real state-issued cards.
Officials warned that the fake licenses could pose some serious threats to national security and public safety. Simply put, they have been previously used by people attempting to evade warrants, engage in identity fraud, run money laundering schemes, and even commit acts of terrorism.
“These counterfeit driver’s licenses can lead to disastrous consequences,” said Michael Pfeiffer, Port Director in Chicago. “Foreign Terrorist Organizations, criminal organizations, and persons involved in fraud schemes use these counterfeit IDs to avoid attracting attention to their illegal activities.”
The recent bust is just another score by the CBP amid growing risks posed by the global counterfeit market. With online retailers making it easier for Americans to buy products worldwide, experts estimate Americans spend more than $100 billion annually on counterfeit and pirated merchandise, accounting for nearly 20% of the global counterfeit trade.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, Border Protection officials announced another large-scale counterfeit jewelry bust late last month, also interestingly valued at $9.2 million.
CBP officers at the El Paso port of entry intercepted a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry in late April. 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 9 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 21 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.