CrimeMay 06, 2022
Former Bookkeeper Charged with Stealing $2.8M from Jewelry CompanyCrimeMay 10, 2022
Indiana Customs Agents Seize $10M in Counterfeit Rolex Watches
Officers in Indianapolis confiscated two shipments containing a total of 460 fake Rolex watches headed to Brooklyn.
Two shipments containing a total of 460 fake Rolex watches were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Indiana, worth more than $10 million had they been genuine.
Indianapolis—Customs agents seized shipments containing more than 400 counterfeit Rolex watches last month that would have been worth more than $10 million had they been genuine.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers in Indianapolis confiscated two shipments on April 27 and 29 from a vendor with a history of fraudulent shipments.
The packages contained 460 counterfeit Rolex watches worth $10.1 million had they been real.
Both shipments originated from Hong Kong and were headed to a residence in Brooklyn, New York.
In fiscal year 2021, CBP seized 27,107 shipments nationwide with intellectual property rights violations. Had the products inside been genuine, the total retail price of the items would have been valued at more than $3.3 billion.
This is a 152 percent increase compared with the prior fiscal year, when seized goods were valued at $1.31 billion retail. CPB attributed the rise in retail price values to both an overall increase in the number of counterfeit seizures and a return to pre-pandemic trading levels.
Apparel and accessories were at the top for number of seizures in FY 2021 but watches and jewelry topped products seized in terms of retail value, with seizures valued at over $1.18 billion, representing 36 percent of the total.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers in Indianapolis confiscated two shipments on April 27 and 29 from a vendor with a history of fraudulent shipments.
The packages contained 460 counterfeit Rolex watches worth $10.1 million had they been real.
Both shipments originated from Hong Kong and were headed to a residence in Brooklyn, New York.
In fiscal year 2021, CBP seized 27,107 shipments nationwide with intellectual property rights violations. Had the products inside been genuine, the total retail price of the items would have been valued at more than $3.3 billion.
This is a 152 percent increase compared with the prior fiscal year, when seized goods were valued at $1.31 billion retail. CPB attributed the rise in retail price values to both an overall increase in the number of counterfeit seizures and a return to pre-pandemic trading levels.
Apparel and accessories were at the top for number of seizures in FY 2021 but watches and jewelry topped products seized in terms of retail value, with seizures valued at over $1.18 billion, representing 36 percent of the total.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
