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
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
