U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized approximately 300 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches, with an estimated value of $43 million if they were genuine, at the Port of Louisville on July 31. The watches, described as being adorned with faux diamonds and gold, were imported from Hong Kong and were destined for New York and other locations across the United States.
This seizure is part of a broader effort by Customs and Border Protection in Louisville, which has intercepted a total of 875 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches over the summer. If authentic, this larger collection would be valued at over $1.25 billion. Authentic Audemars Piguet watches can retail for $39,000 each, with some bejeweled versions reaching up to $1.1 million.
Philip Onken, Port Director in Louisville, stated that consumers should be aware of counterfeit goods, which are often of low quality and can sometimes be dangerous. He commended the officers for their work in identifying and targeting these illicit shipments to protect consumers and the economy.
While Manhattan's Canal Street is known for the sale of counterfeit goods, authorities note that over 90% of counterfeit items are now sold online. The rise of encrypted messaging applications has facilitated the direct shipment of these fake products to consumers' homes. Purchasing counterfeit goods can result in civil and criminal fines, with penalties for trafficking potentially including fines up to $2 million and up to 10 years in prison.
The sale of counterfeit items also impacts local economies. In New York, the underground counterfeit market is estimated to drain approximately $1 billion in tax revenue annually from state and city services. The Port of Louisville serves as a significant inland port on the Ohio River, acting as a transit point for goods via river, rail, and major highways.