U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials recently intercepted a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry, which, if sold as genuine items, could have been worth more than $9.2 million.
The 1,708 fake pieces, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, were shipped from China and were destined for a residence in El Paso, Texas. The items closely resembled those from the prestigious Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection.
Upon confirming the items were counterfeit, CBP officials seized the shipment on Monday.
Hector Mancha, CBP’s Director of Operations in El Paso, warned that buying counterfeit jewelry might seem like a good deal but can contribute to serious criminal activities, such as money laundering, forced labor, and organized crime. He also pointed out that counterfeit goods cause significant losses for U.S. businesses, costing billions annually and depriving the country of jobs and tax revenue.
Related topics:
- Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Welcomes Second Group of Entrepreneurs
- Police Investigate Second Jewelry Swapping Robbery in South Bay
- Celebrate Earth Day with Sustainable Jewelry from Feast Jewelry
