According to lawyer Mr. Li Xinyu from SSSPO, US Customs and Boarder Protection has taken most severe actions against the import of counterfeit goods in western coasts. Staff from eight companies including San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf are arrested and sued because they involved in importing and selling counterfeit goods.
Fisherman's Wharf is a famous scenic spots in San Francisco. During this storm, US Customs detained counterfeit goods of over 70 famous brands including garments, handbags, wallets, jewellery, watches and sunglasses and so on. All these counterfeit goods are worthy 100 million US dollars. Officials from US Customs said that the investigation originated from the case in Okland. In 2007, Okland Customs intercepted 50 thousand counterfeit goods worthy over 20 million US dollars. Although the goods were detained by the Customs, the buyer continued import and selling counterfeit goods. In the following two and half years, US Customs made thorough investigations on the source and import channel of these counterfeit goods. Many stores in Okland and houses of suspects were searched too. 230,000 counterfeit goods were found.
Companies involved in this case are L & J Fashions, JC Trading Company, New CWK Gift Store, C & K Gifts, and La Bella Boutique and so on. Eleven people have been charged with smuggle, engaging in counterfeit goods business. They will face 20 years' imprisonment and a penalty of two million US dollars. Besides Fisherman's Wharf, China Town is also plagued by counterfeit goods.
