Designer handbags worth $1.3bn seized in ‘largest knock-off goods bust in US history’
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated that it’s the “largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history.”
One of the storage units controlled by Abdulai Jalloh
One of the storage units controlled by Adama Sow
Boxes of counterfeit goods seized from the storage facility
Two men were arrested in the US this week after more than $1bn worth of knock-off designer merchandise was found hidden in a storage locker.
A joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and the New York Police Department (NYPD) found approximately 219,000 items worth $1.3bm (€1.1bn) stored away in boxes and on shelves in units at Gotham Mini Storage in New York.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated that it’s the “largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history.”
One of the storage units controlled by Adama Sow
Adama Sow (38) and Abdulai Jalloh (48) allegedly ran “large-scale counterfeit goods trafficking operations” from the storage units from January to October 2023, while Jalloh is also accused of trafficking the counterfeit items out of another off-site location in Manhattan.
“As alleged, the defendants used a Manhattan storage facility as a distribution center for massive amounts of knock-off designer goods,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.
“The seizures announced today consist of merchandise with over a billion dollars in estimated retail value, the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history.”
Photos released by the US Attorney’s Office showed units packed out with thousands of knock-off high-end handbags, with various recognisable designer brands such as Gucci and Burberry being imitated.
Boxes of counterfeit goods seized from the storage facility
Another photo showed dozens of unopened boxes on pallets lined up in another room.
Sow, of Queens, and Jalloh, of Manhattan, were each charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods.
They both face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Read more
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban spoke of how selling counterfeit goods on the “black market” harms businesses and consumers.
“The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers.
“Today’s indictments show how seriously the NYPD and our federal partners take this offense. And we will continue to work hard to hold accountable anyone who seeks to benefit by selling such items on the black market.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo added: “Today's groundbreaking announcement underscores the unwavering commitment of HSI New York in the fight against intellectual property theft and serves as a testament to the dedication of our team and partner agencies, who have tirelessly pursued justice, culminating in the largest-ever seizure of this kind.
“I extend my gratitude to all those involved for their relentless efforts and late nights dedicated to upholding the law.”
.jpg)
