Huge LAX Bust Stops Smuggled Counterfeit Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci Products From Entering US

 

Thousands of counterfeit items that would be worth millions --if they were genuine -- were seized in an LAX bust. The items included fake brands like Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and more Aug. 14, 2019. 

Customs inspectors recently prevented thousands of counterfeit items from being smuggled into the country from Hong Kong through Los Angeles International Airport, including products falsely labeled as being produced by Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other companies, officials said Wednesday.

The 5,300 items that were seized in recent weeks would have had a retail value of more than $3.4 million if genuine, according to Jaime Ruiz of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Among the seized items were 1,242 counterfeit Gucci belts, 678 pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes, 531 counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags, 230 counterfeit Hermes handbags, 192 counterfeit Casio Shock watches, 144 counterfeit Ferragamo belts and 100 counterfeit Versace belts.

"CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive intellectual property rights enforcement program,'' said Carlos C. Martel, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles. "These seizures demonstrate the high level of skill and vigilance of our officers and import specialists.''

The merchandise arrived at LAX via air cargo from Hong Kong, Ruiz said.

"The quantity and value of counterfeit merchandise seized is a clear indication of the profits that are involved in the illegal trade of luxury goods,'' Ruiz said.

Available on illegitimate websites and sold in underground outlets, counterfeit high-fashion commodities multiply the illegal profits of smugglers and traffickers, Ruiz said.

"Consumers are tricked into believing they are buying an original product at a significant discount, and the money they spend on these types of goods is often used in other forms of criminal enterprises,'' Ruiz said.

Ruiz urged anyone with concerns about whether a product is genuine, or who has any information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, to report the information via the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System, or by calling 800-BE-ALERT.

 oa here

6 REAL REASONS FAKES ARE DANGEROUS

6 REAL REASONS FAKES ARE DANGEROUS

Counterfeit handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories are not only illegal, they can be toxic to the economy, environment and even your health. According to CBS New York, the sale of counterfeit goods account for a detrimental $250 billion industry. Here are 6 reasons, the price simply does not justify the purchase:

1. Child LaborThe counterfeit market relies on cutting corners to maximize profits - this ideology unfortunately applies to every aspect of counterfeiting process. Counterfeiters do not abide by the standard government regulations put into place with intention to protect workers. Employees assembling counterfeit goods are often children, working for less than fair wages, in less than acceptable conditions. It is not uncommon for these underaged employees to be sent by their families to live and work in counterfeiting factories in order to help provide for their impoverished families back home. 

2. Counterfeit Goods Fund Illegal Activity

Many counterfeit operations are created as a front to launder money acquired from criminal activities. Most often, organized crime networks operate many illegal activities all at once and use the sale of counterfeit goods to either launder money or generate funds for other criminal activities like drug trade, human trafficking, sex trafficking, robbery or terrorist activities. All of these activities hurt both local and global economies as well as cause severe injury and harm to basic human rights.

3. Unsafe Working ConditionsTo make matters even worse, the factories themselves force unsafe working conditions upon their employees. Workplace safety is of no concern and many serious injuries often occur while on the job. Protective clothing such as masks and gloves are not provided to employees and therefore they work unprotected from toxic chemicals, dyes and unclean air quality clouded with dust, fumes, or even fabric particles from sewing, cutting or distressing fabrics. Exposure to these elements can cause serious longterm illness.

4. Health Risks and DiseaseOne of the most common health issues caused by poor working conditions is Silicosis, a respiratory disease that can lead to death if left untreated. Silicosis, is the result of silica dust particles entering the lungs and is most frequently acquired from sandblasting materials to achieve a 'distressed' look (thats right - the faded jeans that literally everyone wears). In 2009, over 20,000 workers suffered from this disease (due to workplace conditions) in China alone.

5. Negative Environmental ImpactLooking at the issue from an environmental standpoint, counterfeiting factories do not dispose of their waste properly or in accordance to any regulation. Surrounding communities can feel the affects by becoming unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in their air, soil or water sources. Again, potentially leading to longterm illness and environmental issues.

6. They Can Kill You.Counterfeit goods can be hazardous to your health. The technical construction of counterfeit goods is under par at best. Materials used to make fake handbags, shoes, clothing and accessories are often completely toxic! This is primarily concerning when counterfeiting children's apparel, though the toxins can most certainly affect adults as well. Lead paint can often be found in counterfeit goods which is highly toxic and can be deadly if ingested or if the child puts their hands in their mouth after coming into contact with the product containing lead paint. Many of the fake handbags, shoes and accessories that we have seen over the years have a pungent plastic-like or even gasoline-like odor to them. This can undoubtedly be bad for not only your health but also the environment.

Currently, trade in counterfeit goods is estimated to be a $500 billion dollar global industry. By the year 2025 it is predicted that the global economic loss due to counterfeiting could reach $2 trillion dollars annually. In 2005, customs preformed 8,000 seizures of goods valued at more than $92 million. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 750,000 jobs are lost each year due to counterfeit goods. Please follow this link for an extensive report on the severity of counterfeiting in the global marketplace.

Real Authentication offers expert authentication services for luxury designer handbag brands like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Burberry and many more. Our handbag authentication experts have truly studied the ins and outs of each and every brand we offer authentication services for. It may seem hard to believe, but with daily research of each designer handbag brand, we are able to confidently pass our expertise off to you through authentication, appraisal and identification services. We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your preowned designer purchases. We specialize in handbag authentication but also provide many additional services you may need as well!

www.realauthentication.com