LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville intercepted a shipment of counterfeit earrings Aug. 17 that would have been worth an estimated $3.51 million had they been genuine.
According to a news release, investigators discovered more than 1,000 pairs of hoop earrings, bearing Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent labels, as well as more than 4,500 pairs of diamond earrings, purporting to be authentic Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel products.
“This just goes to show you how criminals are using express consignment facilities to ship their items to unsuspecting consumers damaging our economy,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations for the agency’s Chicago field office, stated.
“I want to congratulate our officers for their outstanding job. CBP is the first line of defense, and we will continue to protect the safety of consumers,” Sutton-Burke added.
According to the agency, the shipment originated from Hong Kong.
“Legitimate trade strengthens our economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods threaten American jobs and innovation,” Louisville Port Director Thomas Mahn said in a prepared statement, adding, “Protecting intellectual property rights remains a priority trade issue for CBP, and our officers are committed to American consumers and our economic security.”
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