U.S. Customs Seizes $6.6M Counterfeit Watches From Hong Kong Shipments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville seized two shipments from Hong Kong containing 53 counterfeit watches valued at $6.6 million if genuine. The watches bore unauthorized versions of luxury brand trademarks including Richard Mille, Rolex, Hublot, Cartier, Swarovski, G-Shock, and Patek Philippe, and were addressed to residences in Georgia and Florida. Intellectual property theft remains a significant issue, with jewelry, watches, and handbags/wallets being the top commodities seized over the last three years, predominantly originating from China and Hong Kong, which account for 90% of seizures. CBP officials emphasize that counterfeit goods harm American businesses and consumers by undermining revenue and potentially funding criminal activities. The seized items have been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inspection. CBP continues efforts to protect private industry and consumers by intercepting counterfeit shipments and other illicit goods at U.S. borders.