NYPD Cracks Down on Counterfeit Goods
Massive Raid Seizes Over $45 Million Worth of Fake Designer Goods
Inside what the NYPD called a “mothership” – a massive supplier of counterfeit goods – was a hidden haul taken in a raid by police that was part of a crackdown on those pushing fake products on the street.
Haul Includes Designer Knockoffs
What appeared to be designer goods in the haul found on Mott Street in Manhattan were actually cheap knockoffs. “Dior, Fendi, Chanel — you name it, everything was in there,” said NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry. “They have estimated it to be over $45 to 50 million just out of that one apartment which had three rooms in it.”
Police to Destroy Seized Goods
Police said all of the counterfeit merchandise seized will be destroyed. The department said the raids came as a result of complaints from consumers and stores, especially as the holidays draw near.
Crackdown Aimed at Protecting Consumers and Legitimate Businesses
“We want people to come here, spend their money, have a good time, but we want them to buy at our authentic shops,” Daughtry said. “This is a huge quality of life condition that people complain about all the time, and they want their quality of life back. They want to be able to walk down a city block without being accosted by these illegal vendors.”
Counterfeit Goods Pose Serious Risks
Counterfeit goods cost legitimate businesses hundreds of billions of dollars every year, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And the fake items can also pose a potentially harmful risk to buyers. “How do we know they have the proper UV protection for those sunglasses?” Daughtry asked. “Fake Beats [headphones], the Apple headphones, some of the other Apple electronic products…how do you know if it passed the fire safety inspection? You leave this thing plugged into your house overnight, next thing you know you got a two-, three -larm fire inside your house from something that was counterfeit.”
NYPD to Continue Crackdown
While the NYPD has made arrests against several street vendors, they say their mission is to always “find the mothership.” “I have several locations that we have identified throughout the city especially in lower Manhattan that are housing these illegal bags and we are coming. It could be today, tomorrow but we are coming,” Daughtry said.
Conclusion
The NYPD’s crackdown on counterfeit goods is a major step in protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from the risks posed by fake products. With the holiday season approaching, the department’s efforts aim to ensure that shoppers can enjoy their holiday shopping experience without being deceived by counterfeit goods.
FAQs
Q: How much counterfeit merchandise was seized in the raid?
A: The haul is estimated to be over $45 to $50 million.
Q: What kind of products were found in the raid?
A: The raid found a wide range of counterfeit products, including designer clothing, accessories, and electronics.
Q: Why is the NYPD cracking down on counterfeit goods?
A: The NYPD is cracking down on counterfeit goods to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from the risks posed by fake products.
Q: What happens to the seized counterfeit merchandise?
A: The seized counterfeit merchandise will be destroyed.
Q: Why is the holiday season a peak time for counterfeit goods?
A: The holiday season is a peak time for counterfeit goods because consumers are more likely to buy gifts and may be less likely to scrutinize the authenticity of products.
