COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A six-month investigation has netted greater than $300,00zero value of counterfeit merchandise from a retailer in South Carolina, state officers mentioned.
South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond mentioned an investigation by native, state and federal companies started in March into the alleged sale of counterfeit items by a enterprise referred to as NewImageSC and its operator, Quasheda Parker. At the moment, the enterprise was being carried out on Fb, however finally grew to incorporate gross sales at a storefront in Columbia, Hammond mentioned.
The counterfeit merchandise included footwear, clothes, sun shades, jewellery, perfumes and colognes, watches, hats and face masks, and included logos from a number of common manufacturers reminiscent of Louis Vuitton, PINK, Versace, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, Champion, NFL, NBA and NCAA, WYFF-TV reported.
“Counterfeit merchandise, largely from China, causes an estimated $225 billion in injury to our nation’s financial system every year,” Hammond mentioned.
On Sept. 9, a search warrant was executed on the retailer and at Parker’s residence in Irmo, Hammond mentioned. He mentioned authorities seized counterfeit merchandise valued at $316,315.00.
“Not solely does counterfeit merchandise hurt legit companies, however it hurts shoppers who buy inferior and even harmful merchandise,” Hammond mentioned. “Furthermore, counterfeit merchandise trafficking funds organized crime and terrorism. Counterfeiting will not be and by no means might be a victimless crime.”
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