CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Customs and Border Protection at O’Hare said two Minnesota men returning together from Turkey are being prosecuted in Cook County after being found to be in possession of counterfeit designer clothing and shoes.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the two men were asked if they had anything to declare among their seven large duffle bags. Initially, they did not declare anything, but during a secondary inspection they declared $2,000 worth of “gifts” for family.
Officers inspected their bags for smuggled contraband and found an estimated MSRP value (i.e., if genuine goods) of $552,000 of counterfeit designer apparel.
More than 550 counterfeit items of varying protected trademarks were seized from the passengers, including from well-known brands like Adidas, Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Versace.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the passengers strategically interspersed between used clothing and other items various designer and luxury shoes, tops, handbags, wallets, pants, belts, jackets, perfumes, sunglasses, dresses, and hats. Additionally, the passengers had a large quantity of dust-bags for footwear and handbags and new, clear plastic bags commonly used to display retail-ready clothing. The items varied in size and style and were consistent with items to be resold for commercial purposes.
CBP contacted Homeland Security Investigations, and after interviewing the passengers, criminal prosecution was accepted by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The passengers were arrested by HSI and the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department on criminal complaints signed by representatives of Louis Vuitton and Chanel for the infringing goods found in the passengers’ luggage. The passengers have since been indicted and prosecution is ongoing.
“The smuggling and illegal sales of counterfeit merchandise is a growing threat to our economy, and U.S. jobs, that cannot stand,” said Shane Campbell, Area Port Director-Chicago. “Those travelers who are found to be smuggling counterfeit items will face consequences for the harm they do to the U.S. economic well-being.”
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