LOS ANGELES – U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CPB) seized over $4 million worth of counterfeit “Ferragamo” footwear at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex on July 20th. The footwear came in two separate shipments coming from China. “The quantity and value of counterfeit merchandise seized is a clear indication of the profits that are involved in the illegal trade of luxury goods,” CPB officials said.
If the 7800 pairs of high-fashion shoes were genuine “Salvatore Ferragamo” the estimated retail value would have been $4,290,000. “These seizures demonstrate the high level of skill and vigilance of our officers in protecting the intellectual property rights of companies and individuals, as well as, preventing the proliferation of counterfeit luxury footwear, potentially damaging our national economy,” remarked Sergio Espinoza, CBP Acting Port Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport.
Counterfeit goods worth around $1.35 billion which originated mostly from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Romania and Turkey was seized by CBP agents in 2015. These products consisted mostly of apparel, consumer electronics and footwear. CBP officials believe that consumers are misguided into believing they are buying authentic merchandise from illegitimate websites and underground outlets. In 2015, the CBP officials said that more than $697 million or 52% of this merchandise came from China.
If you have any suspicion of or information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, please report the trade violation to e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
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