A Miami Gardens couple is facing serious charges after police say they turned their home into a counterfeit luxury storefront, complete with shelves of fake designer bags, clothing, and shoes.
According to investigators, 33-year-old Yuri Rafael Velazquez-Garcia and 32-year-old Mayrelis Marquez Plans ran the operation straight out of their house, promoting it on social media as if it were an exclusive luxury boutique. Undercover officers even bought a “Louis Vuitton” handbag and shirt combo for $180, later confirmed to be fake.
When police raided the property, they seized over 500 counterfeit items, including handbags, shirts, and footwear. If the items had been real, they would have been worth more than $500,000.
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Both Velazquez-Garcia and Marquez Plans were arrested and charged with felony counterfeiting involving goods worth more than $20,000. They each had bond set at $5,000 and have since been released.
Authorities say the investigation started after social media posts showcasing the “store” drew attention. Neighbors told reporters they were shocked to learn the quiet home in their community was doubling as a luxury knockoff shop.
