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Feds Seize $9.6M in Fake Jewelry, Watches

The counterfeit goods bore names such as Tiffany, Bulgari and Rolex.

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CINCINNATI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati last week seized two shipments of jewelry and watches that the agency deemed to be counterfeit.

The first shipment originated from Shenzen, China, and was destined to a private residence in Norcross, GA, according to a press release from the agency. Although it had a declared value of $315, the package held 171 items of jewelry or watches labeled as Versace, Michael Kors, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, Tiffany, Bulgari, Armani, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Hublot, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet, Louis Vuitton, Fossil, Omega or Rolex. Had the 171 items been genuine, the cumulative manufacturer’s suggested retail price would have been $8,419,017.

The second shipment came through a freight forwarder in Hong Kong and was destined to an individual in West Palm Beach, FL, according to the release. This shipment contained 113 counterfeit Cartier bracelets with a total MSRP $1.17 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 Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “Our officers are dedicated to preventing counterfeiters from defrauding consumers and legitimate businesses.”

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