Virginia State Police Seize Knockoffs Worth $2.5 Million

By: Claire Galofaro | TriCities.com
Published: September 12, 2009

A word to the wise: Do not try to sell that $5 Chanel key ring you bought at the flea market. Same goes for the Coach handbag.
A dozen Hillsville (Va.) Flea Market vendors were arrested last week for trademark violations when the Virginia State Police seized a literal truckload of knockoffs, worth $2.5 million.
The loot included faux designer purses, sunglasses and jewelry from 10 large vendors, and authorities filled a 40-foot cargo container with the counterfeit stuff. The $2.5 million value is based on the retail price of the real items, not the flea market price on the fakes.
Sgt. Michael T. Conroy with the Virginia State Police said it is not illegal to have counterfeit goods, and one must be attempting to sell them to get into trouble.
In a news release, Conroy said among the bogus items, police found surge protectors with faked UL certifications. Conroy called it “alarming” because without meeting UL standards, the devices could fail.
“Consumers could think they are buying something to protect them and have the opposite effect,” Conroy said.
The vendors were allowed to secure their legit items before being hauled off to see the magistrate, and according to the news release, were free to return to work after their arrests.
It is a Class 6 felony to sell counterfeit goods with a value that exceeds $200.
The troopers were working with manufacture’s trademark representatives on the bust. Police said they targeted large vendors and “hope this will act as a deterrent and protect the consumer.”

cgalofaro@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2531

Virginia State Police Seize Knockoffs Worth $2.5 Million

Share This:

More from this channel:

Reader Comments

Deal of the Day

Most Popular

Things to Do