CBP seizes $400k worth of counterfeit items at Port of Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — More counterfeit items have been seized at the Rochester Port of Entry, according to US Customs and Border Patrol.

CBP said that their officers investigated shipments that had designer clothing, shoes, NBA rookie cards, and other items. They said none of the items were authentic and were seized for counterfeit trademarks.

Versace slides, Louis Vuitton shirts, and even a Porche steering wheel were among the many items seized by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol over at the Port of Rochester.

Public Affairs Liaison and Program Manager at CBP Jeff Toth says these shipments are from various places, not just the U.S.​

“We see these items coming in from all over. From every other country in the world. We’re not seeing like vast majority is coming from this country or the vast majority is coming from that country it’s just from all over,” said Toth.

He says often, a lot of the people that are associated with companies that are selling counterfeit items are also affiliated with transnational criminal organizations and the money used from counterfeit sales are put back into other criminal activities.

“Illegal drugs, illegal guns, forced labor, child labor, things along those lines. So, that’s one of the biggest reasons we want to try and catch these items and put an end to this is its feeding a lot of criminal activity,” he said.

He says when shopping in person you can feel the quality of the item to determine the product’s authenticity but you can’t do that when shopping online so he suggests purchasing directly from the manufacturer or another reputable and legitimate source.

“When you’re buying from just an unknown source and they’re saying they’re buying some kind of a Chanel, or Prada, or Gucci item, there’s a good chance that’s probably not going to be the quality item you’re anticipating. A lot of times if you’re looking at something that this is normally a $3,000 item but I can get it for $300, there’s a big red flag there too. It’s probably too good to be true, those deals never really pan out,” he said.

According to the CBP website, not only are counterfeit items a waste of your money they also could pose a threat to your health and safety.
when shopping online you’re urged to check any misspellings on the website–in addition to reviews and rating on items left on the company’s website.

“Our officers work tirelessly to intercept these fake items that have economic impacts, legal implications, and a potential risk to the health and safety of the American consumer,” said Port of Rochester Director Ronald Menz.

Gallery of seized merchandise (courtesy CBP Buffalo)

A similar incident occurred last month when officers seized several shipments of these items. Those were valued at over $100k. The current ones that are seized are valued at over $400,000 if they were genuine.

Customs and Border Protection are urging anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise being imported is asked to submit an allegation online.

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