March 31, 11

NEWS / New Jersey State Police Dismantles Counterfeit Clothing Operation

Passaic, N.J. – Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit shut down a major counterfeit trademark operation based out of Passaic, N.J. Wan Kim, 52, of Ridgefield, N.J. was arrested by detectives and charged with Possession and Manufacturing of Counterfeit Trademark Items.

A lengthy investigation led to the execution of a search warrant of a warehouse located at 245 4th Street, Passaic, N.J. Detectives seized over 15,000 pieces of counterfeit trademark clothing valued at approximately $1,600,000. Some of the brands involved were Polo Ralph Lauren, Northface, Ed Hardy, and the NBA. Also seized were 100,000 counterfeit trademark neck labels and price tags for numerous trademark clothing companies including Lecoste, Baby Phat, True Religion, Girbaud, Coogi, Adidas, Sean John, and two Tajima 20 head embroidery machines valued at $120,000.

“This counterfeit operation was not small by any means, it produced millions of dollars worth of clothing that made its way onto the black market in New Jersey causing legitimate companies millions of dollars in the process,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Shutting down this operation sends a direct message that this activity will be confronted head on in New Jersey.” Fuentes added.

This case was investigated by detectives from the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit, with assistance from the New York City Police Department, and The U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The case will be prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases11/pr20110325a.html