(WWJ) It is called one of the biggest seizures of counterfeit goods in the history of Michigan and it involved perfume and cologne.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges of conducting a criminal enterprise and possession of counterfeit goods against Kyle McIntyre, 38, of Port Huron, Bilal Ahmed, 28, of Warren, Shuba Barua, 29, and A-Hasan Khan, 28, both of Sterling Heights.
Nessel says the group was allegedly selling phony colognes and perfumes disguised as designer-brand fragrances for years on Walmart and Amazon online marketplaces.
"We allege by these charges these defendants intentionally sold counterfeit fragrances inpersonating some of the most recognized luxury perfumes and cologne brands in the world," Nessel said during a news conference in Livonia Thursday morning.
The street value of the counterfeit goods is approximately $10 million.
The operation was brought to the attention of state investigators in 2023.
"What I want Michigan residents and consumers to know is that counterfeit products are widely prevalent, likely much more so than you even expect and found in many more places than you likely assumed," Nessel said during a news conference in Livonia.
If convicted the men face up to 20 years in prison.