In the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted over 3,000 fake Gibson guitars at the LA/Long Beach Seaport. The estimated retail value of the seized instruments, had they been genuine, is a staggering $18.7 million.
The guitars, which included various counterfeit versions of the iconic Les Paul model, were shipped in containers from Asia. CBP collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Gibson representatives to identify and seize the fake instruments.
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“These fraudulent guitars may look and feel legitimate for unsuspecting consumers buying them from third party online sources, street markets, unauthorized retailers, and person-to-person transactions,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.
Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian emphasized the importance of the partnership between law enforcement and the company to protect consumers and the brand’s reputation. He highlighted the dedication of Gibson’s craftspeople in Nashville and Bozeman, who handcraft authentic instruments.
Counterfeit goods not only harm legitimate businesses and erode consumer trust, but they can also pose safety risks. These fake guitars may be made with inferior materials and fail to meet quality standards.
“Counterfeit goods fund criminal enterprises that engage in forced labor, smuggling, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities,” said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach seaport.
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This seizure highlights CBP’s ongoing efforts to combat intellectual property theft and protect American consumers and businesses. In Fiscal Year 2023, CBP seized nearly 23 million counterfeit goods nationwide, with an estimated value of over $2.7 billion.
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