CBP Seizes Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry That Would Be Worth Over $9 Million If Genuine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently seized a shipment of counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry that would have been worth more than $9 million if genuine.

CBP officers at the El Paso Port of Entry in Texas on April 9 intercepted a package containing 1,708 pieces of jewelry including rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. The jewelry resembled luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” line, and the agency worked with the brand to confirm the jewelry was counterfeit, ultimate seizing the products on April 21.

The shipment originated in China and was destined for an address in El Paso. The shipment was manifested as containing accessories worth $15,480. If the counterfeit jewelry had been legitimate Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, they would have retailed for a total of $9,222,800.

“CBP officers inspect arriving international parcels for a variety of reasons to include protecting American consumers from potential safety violations and rooting out counterfeit goods that may be supporting an underground economy that thrives on deception and exploitation. Buying counterfeit luxury jewelry may seem like a bargain, but it may also be fueling criminal enterprises involved in money laundering, forced labor, and even organized crime,” CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said in a statement.

“Counterfeit goods are generally poor-quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,” Mancha said.

CBP recommends consumers purchase goods directly from the trademark holder, original manufacturer or authorized retailers. The agency also advises consumers to stay away from websites that do not offer customer service contact information, return policies, and legitimate phone numbers. According to CBP, if a price seems to good to be true, it likely is.