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.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
