11 counterfeit Richard Mille watches were intercepted at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in a targeted enforcement operation focusing on fake luxury goods from China. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the shipment would have had a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2.6 million if the items were genuine. CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise deemed the watches inauthentic and seized them for bearing counterfeit versions of registered and recorded trademarks. “The sale of fake goods often funds criminal organizations involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illicit trade,” said CBP Area Port Director Jayson Ahern. “Our CBP officers are on the front lines every day guarding against defrauders, while protecting legitimate American businesses who are often harmed by these criminal organizations.” Illegitimate sales are some of the most profitable transnational crimes and can pose serious health and safety risks as they are often made with substandard or harmful materials. Handbags, wallets, apparel, footwear, watches, jewelry, and consumer electronics are at a higher risk of being counterfeited, according to CBP. To report suspected counterfeits, visit CBP’s online e-Allegations portal or call 1-800-BE-ALERT. ...read more read less