NJ officials charge 29 in counterfeit goods ring
21.05.12
Two groups operating primarily out of China smuggled counterfeit UGG boots, fake designer handbags, cigarettes and other items worth more than $300 million to the U.S. in a ring that's one of the largest such scams ever uncovered, federal officials said Friday.
Twenty-nine people were charged in the operation, which involved sneaking goods through the busy Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal as federal agents secretly watched, authorities said.
"The cost of counterfeit goods is not limited to the massive financial harm it causes to American businesses and consumers," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said at a news conference. "The same channels and criminal networks that allow the entry of these goods provides the opportunity for the importation of other materials that threaten our health and safety."
Aside from UGG boots and cigarettes, the groups are accused of smuggling counterfeit Nike sneakers; fake Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Coach handbags; and other clothing items. Three defendants are also charged with conspiring to import 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
Source: Fox News