The NYPD seizes $30 MILLION in counterfeit goods, including counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Nike products, in a raid on eight notorious illegal street vendors in New York City
- The raid took place on Canal Street near Broadway on Thursday afternoon
- Police officers were on the scene and seized hundreds of counterfeit designer loot
- According to a social media post, the NYPD said the crackdown was due in part to “numerous complaints from the community.”
The NYPD has seized $30 million worth of counterfeit goods and arrested eight illegal street vendors in a wide-scale crackdown in New York City.
On Thursday, police attacked the scammers and seized vast quantities of counterfeit gear, including Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Nike products.
Police also dragged phones, watches and sneakers in the massive raid on Manhattan’s Canal Street.
The NYPD has searched the same location several times before, seizing $2 million worth of merchandise last August and $10 million in November.
Police officers are seen on Canal Street during Thursday’s raid, which seized $30 million worth of counterfeit items
A selection of counterfeit watches were on display and sold by illegal dealers
The NYPD tweeted, “Trading in counterfeit goods harms legitimate businesses and violates our laws.”
A spokesman said this week’s crackdown was partly due to “numerous complaints from the public”.
A year ago, in August 2022, police officers raided the same area and seized $2 million worth of counterfeit items. Within a few weeks, the wrong dealers were back at work.
In November 2022, officers seized $10 million worth of “high-end” merchandise, including fake purses, sneakers, sandals and other items.
During the covert operation, police confiscated counterfeit Louis Vuitton and YSL designer bags and purses, as well as Nike sneakers
The NYPD announced Thursday it had seized approximately $30 million worth of counterfeit goods, writing, “Trading in counterfeit goods harms legitimate businesses and violates our laws.”
During that raid, 17 arrests were made and some of the bogus sellers were confronted with counterfeiting over $1,000 worth of trademark rights – a felony in the state.
Three truckloads of goods were seized, Maddrey said at a press conference held after the destruction.
“The law enforcement area we visited today resembled a local street market,” he previously told the New York Post.
Pictured: An NYPD truck hauling away hundreds of the illegal goods that were being sold
“Sidewalks are blocked, property is everywhere, goods are everywhere.” “It’s really impacting local businesses and reducing the quality of life.”
The bogus traders arrested on Thursday were between 33 and 50 years old.
They were all charged with counterfeiting. Some have also been charged with unlicensed vendors. Officials said one of the suspects was also charged with resisting arrest.