LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville intercepted two shipments from Hong Kong on October 28, 2025, containing 53 counterfeit watches worth an estimated $6.6 million if genuine.
The parcels displayed unauthorized trademarks from high-end brands such as Richard Mille, Rolex, Hublot, Cartier, Swarovski, G-Shock, and Patek Philippe. The shipments were addressed to residential locations in Union City, Georgia, and Doral, Florida.
CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise confirmed the watches were fake. The items were seized and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further review.
According to CBP, jewelry, watches, and handbags or wallets have been the most frequently seized products for intellectual property rights (IPR) violations over the past three years. China and Hong Kong accounted for roughly 90% of all IPR seizures in Fiscal Year 2024.
Officials warn that intellectual property theft harms the U.S. economy and may have ties to organized crime. They also emphasize that counterfeit goods can endanger public health and safety.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office, said protecting businesses and consumers from counterfeit products remains a priority. “The sale of fake goods can damage legitimate companies and threaten American jobs,” she noted.
CBP urges the public to report suspected fraud or illegal trade through its e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. The agency says it remains committed to enforcing intellectual property rights and securing U.S. borders.
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