U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have seized a shipment of counterfeit designer watches valued at over $6 million. The seizure was made by the Chicago Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) at a Cargo Examination Station near Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The shipment, which arrived from China on May 4, contained fake versions of luxury watch brands including Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Bvlgari, Cartier, Omega, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Vacheron.
The 243 counterfeit watches were intended for delivery to an address in Bensonville, Illinois. CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise determined the items to be counterfeit. If authentic, these watches would have had a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price exceeding $6.64 million.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office stated: “The distribution of counterfeit goods defrauds U.S. consumers and has a significant adverse impact on businesses by robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues.” She emphasized that CBP acts as the first line of defense against such threats.
Counterfeit goods are often sold through underground outlets and third-party e-commerce websites. These items not only deceive consumers but also fund illegal activities including organized crime. CBP targets and seizes imports of counterfeit goods to protect American businesses' intellectual property rights.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing products online to avoid counterfeits which can pose real dangers. For more information on identifying counterfeit products or reporting suspected violations, individuals can visit CBP's website or contact them directly through various channels provided.
CBP operates at 328 ports of entry across the United States with officers dedicated to securing borders while facilitating lawful trade and travel.
