More than 7,000 pairs of fake Van Cleef, Arpels earrings seized at Louisville's airport

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of pairs of counterfeit earrings on their way to Florida from Hong Kong were seized last week in Louisville.

According to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers at UPS Worldport in Louisville intercepted a shipment Aug. 6 containing more than 7,000 pairs of counterfeit earrings.

The shipment from Hong Kong was being sent to a residence in Miami.

After the 56-pound box (labeled "metal necklace" on the manifest) was examined, officers found 7,319 pairs of earrings "bearing the iconic Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra design, which is a federally protected trademark."

CBP's Centers of Excellence and Expertise determined the jewelry displayed unauthorized versions of Van Cleef and Arpels trademark. If the earrings had been genuine, officials said the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price would be $30.37 million.

"Legitimate trade powers the U.S. economy," LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, Chicago Field Office, said in the release. "But counterfeit and pirated goods dampen our economic successes, fund criminal networks, and threaten consumer trust and safety."

Jewelry, watches and handbags/wallets are among the most targeted items by thieves, the release stated, adding that China and Hong Kong are consistently the top two source countries for such seizures, according to the news release.

The bogus merchandise is commonly sold in underground outlets and on third party e-commerce websites. Consumers are often unaware that the products are fake. The proceeds from the sales help fund smugglers and organized crime.

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More than 7,000 pairs of fake Van Cleef, Arpels earrings seized at Louisville's airport