Largest-Ever Counterfeit Goods Seizure in U.S. History Totals $1.03 Billion

Two Individuals Charged in New York for Trafficking Counterfeit Luxury Products

Federal authorities in New York have seized counterfeit goods worth about $1.03 billion in the largest-ever such seizure in U.S. history.
Two individuals, Adama Sow and Abdulai Jalloh, have been charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, with each facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
The counterfeit goods, which included approximately 219,000 bags, clothes, shoes, and other luxury products, were trafficked from a storage facility in Manhattan and another offsite location.
Authorities have highlighted that the trafficking of counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime, as it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers.
The seized goods had a total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of approximately $1.03 billion, although the street value of such counterfeit goods is typically much lower.