CBP: $3.7M in Counterfeit Watches Seized at JFK Airport

Millions of dollars worth of counterfeit watches were intercepted last month at JFK Airport, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection says.

Officers conducting a routine inspection of a shipment from Hong Kong on Jan. 16 discovered and seized 195 counterfeit watches worth an estimated retail price of $3.7 million if they had been genuine, CBP says.

Among the watches allegedly seized were counterfeit Michael Kors, Rolex, Piguet, Hublot and Nike.

According to CBP, the theft of intellectual property and the trade in substandard and often dangerous goods threatens the country's economy and consumer health and safety, while generating proceeds that fund criminal activities and organized crime.

“CBP Officers are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis,” said Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. “The interception of these counterfeit watches is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP Officers daily.”

Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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