Headlines

$6.9M of Fake Jewelry and Watches Seized in Cincinnati

The goods originated from Hong Kong.

Published

4 years ago

August 11, 2022

INSTORE Staff

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati seized three shipments of counterfeit jewelry and watches.

$6.9M of Fake Jewelry and Watches Seized in Cincinnati

Federal officers seized fake jewelry and watches in Cincinnati.

The first shipment originated from Hong Kong, and was destined to a residence in Richmond, VA, according to a press release from the agency.

Although it had a declared value of $319, the package held 275 assorted Cartier Love bracelets, the release stated. Had the 275 bracelets been genuine, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price would have been $3.27 million.

CBP officers seized a second shipment also arriving from in Hong Kong. Officers found 385 yellow gold Cartier bracelets and 115 white gold Cartier bracelets. These 500 counterfeit bracelets would have had a total MSRP of $3.2 million, had they been real.

“These large seizures illustrate the work our officers do every day to protect our country, its citizens, and the economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director, field operations-Chicago Field Office. “Our officers are dedicated to preventing counterfeiters from defrauding consumers and legitimate businesses.”

On Aug. 5, CBP officers seized another shipment from Hong Kong containing 13 fake Rolex watches — 10 Cosmograph Daytona and three Yacht Master II. The watches were heading to a business in Mesquite, TX. Had they been genuine, the MSRP would have been over $405,000, according to CBP.

How Howes Diamond Jewelers Closed a Location — and Opened the Door to What's Next

Dan Howes grew up in his family's jewelry business, eventually taking the helm of two locations his father launched in 1964. When it came time to consolidate, he turned to Wilkerson. "It was a pretty easy decision," Howes says, citing the company's strong reputation and a friend's successful experience. Wilkerson's proven sales roadmap delivered — meeting projected financial goals and guiding the process every step of the way. "This is their profession. They have it dialed in."