CrimeJan 28, 2022
NY Man Pleads Guilty in Series of Luxury Watch RobberiesCrimeFeb 15, 2022
Seizure of Fake Rolexes Leads Authorities to $16M Counterfeit Goods Ring
The trail led to a couple in Lawrenceville, Georgia, who were charged with possession and sale of goods bearing a counterfeit trademark.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in Memphis, Tennessee found nearly 60 counterfeit Rolex watches, and later uncovered an inventory of counterfeit goods valued at more than $15.8 million.
Memphis, Tenn.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in Memphis seized a shipment of nearly 60 fake Rolex watches that eventually led authorities to a $16 million counterfeit goods business operating out of suburban Atlanta.
According to a CBP press release, the case started last fall when customs officials decided to examine two shipments that had arrived in Memphis Sept. 28, originating from the Mexican state of Chihuahua and heading to a residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Inside the packages, they found an assortment of fake Rolexes, including 19 Submariners, 15 Yacht-Masters, 10 Sky-Dwellers, 10 Datejust watches, three Daytonas, and two Rolex Oyster Perpetuals.
Customs officials also found five pairs of counterfeit Chanel sunglasses, two pairs of Versace sunglasses, and a Louis Vuitton duffle bag.
The second shipment contained 20 fake Louis Vuitton tote bags.
CBP said the counterfeit goods, which had an actual value of more than $1 million, were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigrations & Customs Enforcement, which continued its coordinated efforts with officials in Gwinnett County, where Lawrenceville is located.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a CBP press release, the case started last fall when customs officials decided to examine two shipments that had arrived in Memphis Sept. 28, originating from the Mexican state of Chihuahua and heading to a residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Inside the packages, they found an assortment of fake Rolexes, including 19 Submariners, 15 Yacht-Masters, 10 Sky-Dwellers, 10 Datejust watches, three Daytonas, and two Rolex Oyster Perpetuals.
Customs officials also found five pairs of counterfeit Chanel sunglasses, two pairs of Versace sunglasses, and a Louis Vuitton duffle bag.
The second shipment contained 20 fake Louis Vuitton tote bags.
CBP said the counterfeit goods, which had an actual value of more than $1 million, were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigrations & Customs Enforcement, which continued its coordinated efforts with officials in Gwinnett County, where Lawrenceville is located.
A three-month investigation led officials to a couple in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
On Nov. 18, the Gwinnett Police Department Special Investigation Section Vice Unit seized more than 9,000 counterfeit goods, valued at more than $15.8 million, from a business named Real Moda.
Officers found counterfeit items stored in multiple locations, including at Real Moda’s store, and advertised for sale on Facebook, according to CBP.
The 31-year-old woman and the 33-year-old man, whose names were not provided, were arrested and charged with possession and sale of goods bearing a counterfeit trademark.
They were released on bond earlier this month.
“According to the arrested sellers, their customers knew they were buying counterfeits, which is maddening,” said Michael Neipert, Memphis Area Port Director.
“Why would you want to walk around with a fake $18 Louis Vuitton tote, $1,522 cheaper than an original? That’s uncouth. It diminishes the original product.”
The rise of e-commerce has given counterfeit goods more ways to reach U.S. consumers, said CBP.
Officials said they have seized more than 83,000 shipments for trade violations in the current fiscal year, with counterfeit watches and jewelry making up nearly half of the total retail value of seized goods.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
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.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
