A joint investigation between the Fairfax County Police Department, the U.S. Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Blazer Investigations, led to the seizure of an estimated $841,000 of counterfeit merchandise.
A joint investigation between the Fairfax County Police Department, the U.S. Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Blazer Investigations, led to the seizure of an estimated $841,000 of counterfeit merchandise.
In December 2009, a citizen complained of fraudulent goods being sold from booths inside the “Unique Thrift Store” located in the 2900 block of Gallows Road; Fairfax County Police launched an undercover investigation.
Multiple search warrants were executed and counterfeit goods representing at least 20 well known, designer, brand name manufacturers were seized. Those items include “knock off” Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Timberland, Rolex, Coach, Nike, Lacoste, Prada, Chanel, and many others. The types of merchandise include shoes, boots, purses, sunglasses, jewelry, coats, shirts, pants, perfume, DVDs, CDs and more.
Police determined that this merchandise was manufactured and shipped from China. Specialists working for Blazer Investigations verified that the merchandise was crafted using sub-standard materials and was in fact counterfeit. The items were manufactured and shipped without identifying labels. Once inside the United States, labels, tags and other recognizable emblems were affixed to the goods prior to sale.
The sale of counterfeit merchandise is a violation of state and federal law.
Anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise, or those who believe they might have purchased similar items is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
