BOSTON – On October 23, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Boston seized three counterfeit Rolex watches and one counterfeit Richard Mille watch originating from Hong Kong. The shipment of watches was destined to an individual in the Boston area.
Officers seized the shipment and coordinated with import specialists at CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) to determine if the watches were counterfeit. Had the watches been genuine they would have been valued at $923,000.
“Counterfeit goods threaten American consumers, brands and our economy,” said Jason Jalbert, Acting Area Port Director – Boston. “The proceeds from illicit goods are known to fund criminal activities and organized crime, which is why CBP remains focused on intercepting these items.”
CBP established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that are often associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods. Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/FakeGoodsRealDangers.
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.