Authorities reported that they seized approximately 219,000 counterfeit luxury goods in a recent sting operation. The operation consisted of the collective efforts of the NY Field Office of Homeland Security and the New York Police Department. The seized items included fake handbags, shoes, clothes, and other luxury goods with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (“MRSP”) of approximately $1.03 billion. This seizure sets the record as the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history, as reported by US Attorney Damian Williams.
Officials arrested suspects Adama Sow, 38, and Abdulai Jalloh, 48, and charged them with trafficking counterfeit goods on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Investigators believe their counterfeit luxury goods operation has run since the beginning of the year in January. Both suspects had their Manhattan storage facilities searched. Sow’s premises held over 83,000 counterfeit luxury goods with an estimated retail price of over $502 million. Authorities found 50,000 counterfeit luxury goods in Jalloh’s facility, and these items had an estimated retail price of $237 million.
The estimated total value of $1.03 billion comes from the MSRP of the legitimate versions of the luxury goods. However, Federal authorities estimate the street value of the items is likely under $1 billion.
Many people questioned the importance of this seizure on social media. Some claimed that the story “isn’t news” and suggested allocating resources to solve other issues, such as homelessness and sex trafficking. However, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said, “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers.” This statement predates the concerns of the netizens. Moreover, federal authorities warn that counterfeit goods sold through e-commerce platforms and third-party online marketplaces threaten American public health and safety.
Authorities report that Sow and Jalloh faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted by the judge.
