Federal prosecutors in New York say they have charged five people in connection with an eight month investigation into the alleged sale of more than $70 million worth of counterfeit sneakers.
According to ABC News, the defendants, identified as Miyuki, Jian Min, Songua, Kin and Fangrang, face charges of counterfeit trafficking conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit goods. Prosecutors allege the group sold look alike Air Jordans as the real thing.
Investigators say the group used the Port of Newark as a pick up and drop off point. They allege generic sneakers arrived from China, were taken to locations in New York where fake logos were added, and were then sold to buyers.
Authorities say that since 2016 the group shipped 42 containers holding almost 400,000 pairs of shoes that would normally sell for about $190 a pair if authentic. Officials say they inspected nearly 27,000 pairs of the fake kicks during the investigation.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the defendants allegedly counterfeited over $70 million in fake Nike shoes, adding that the charges send a message to would be counterfeiters: “Just Don’t Do It.”
Each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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