CrimeJan 12, 2022
JSA Notes ‘Disturbing Upsurge’ in Smash-and-Grab RobberiesCrimeJan 26, 2022
Customs Seizes Nearly $9M in Counterfeit Jewelry
Officials in Cincinnati and Indianapolis intercepted four shipments of fakes from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati and Indianapolis recently seized four shipments of counterfeit jewelry, worth nearly $9 million if the items had been genuine.
Cincinnati—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati and Indianapolis seized nearly $9 million in counterfeit jewelry from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.
The first of four shipments was stopped by customs officers in Cincinnati on Christmas Eve and contained 13,467 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry.
The pieces were said to be from luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Rolex, Tiffany, Tori Burch, and Versace.
If genuine, the shipment, which originated from China, would be worth more than $3.7 million.
On Jan. 4, officers in Indianapolis seized a shipment containing 1,272 pieces of counterfeit jewelry, valued at more than $2 million if genuine.
The next day, the Indianapolis officers stopped two more shipments.
One contained 278 counterfeit Cartier and Hermès bracelets, worth nearly $2 million if genuine.
The other contained 1,680 fakes said to be from Chanel, Dior, Pandora, Prada, and Tiffany & Co., worth nearly $900,000 if they were real.
The four shipments, worth a total of $8.7 million if genuine, were on their way to private residences in Laredo, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and White Plains, New York.
“This is just another example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations in Chicago, in a press release about the seizures.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
The rise of e-commerce has given counterfeit and pirated goods more ways to reach consumers, CBP said.
It estimated U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion each year on goods that infringe upon intellectual property rights, accounting for 20 percent of the counterfeit goods sold illegally worldwide.
“Legitimate trade strengthens our economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods threaten American jobs and innovation,” said Indianapolis Acting Port Director Timothy Hubbard.
Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie said, “Protecting intellectual property rights remains a priority trade issue for CBP and our officers are committed to American consumers and our economic security.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online for consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
Related stories will be right here …
The first of four shipments was stopped by customs officers in Cincinnati on Christmas Eve and contained 13,467 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry.
The pieces were said to be from luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Rolex, Tiffany, Tori Burch, and Versace.
If genuine, the shipment, which originated from China, would be worth more than $3.7 million.
On Jan. 4, officers in Indianapolis seized a shipment containing 1,272 pieces of counterfeit jewelry, valued at more than $2 million if genuine.
The next day, the Indianapolis officers stopped two more shipments.
One contained 278 counterfeit Cartier and Hermès bracelets, worth nearly $2 million if genuine.
The other contained 1,680 fakes said to be from Chanel, Dior, Pandora, Prada, and Tiffany & Co., worth nearly $900,000 if they were real.
The four shipments, worth a total of $8.7 million if genuine, were on their way to private residences in Laredo, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and White Plains, New York.
“This is just another example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations in Chicago, in a press release about the seizures.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
The rise of e-commerce has given counterfeit and pirated goods more ways to reach consumers, CBP said.
It estimated U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion each year on goods that infringe upon intellectual property rights, accounting for 20 percent of the counterfeit goods sold illegally worldwide.
“Legitimate trade strengthens our economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods threaten American jobs and innovation,” said Indianapolis Acting Port Director Timothy Hubbard.
Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie said, “Protecting intellectual property rights remains a priority trade issue for CBP and our officers are committed to American consumers and our economic security.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online for consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
