U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Indianapolis have seized a shipment of counterfeit luxury watches, officials said. The shipment, originating from Hong Kong and destined for New York, contained 30 watches that displayed unauthorized versions of Cartier’s federally protected trademark. According to CBP, if the watches had been authentic, their value would have exceeded $4 million.
The seizure took place on August 8. CBP officers at the Port of Indianapolis, with assistance from trade experts at the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, determined that the watches were not genuine and bore counterfeit marks. The estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the genuine items was $4.2 million.
“CBP encourages honest trade and urges consumers to think twice before purchasing merchandise from unfamiliar online entities,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. “Purchasing counterfeit goods enables criminal enterprises, and the profits made from these items fund their illicit activities. Officers at the Port of Indianapolis are dedicated to the CBP mission and work vigilantly for American consumers by stopping the flow of pirated merchandise.”
CBP reports that jewelry, watches, and handbags or wallets have been among the top commodities seized for intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement in recent years. China and Hong Kong remain leading sources for such seizures; in Fiscal Year 2024, about 90% of IPR-related seizures came from those regions.
Counterfeit products are often sold through underground markets or third-party e-commerce platforms. These sales can support organized crime networks. Consumers sometimes believe they are buying legitimate products but later find out they are substandard.
Officials warn that intellectual property theft affects not only businesses but also consumers and legitimate manufacturers. Profits from counterfeit goods may be used to finance other illegal activities globally. In addition to economic harm, there are risks to public health and safety because some counterfeit goods may contain harmful materials or be produced using illegal labor practices.
CBP maintains an active enforcement program to protect intellectual property rights for American businesses while supporting fair competition and innovation. More information about counterfeiting dangers is available at https://www.cbp.gov/FakeGoodsRealDangers.
