As part of a multi-agency investigation, almost 3,000 fake Gibson guitars that would have been worth over $18 million if they were real were found at the Long Beach Seaport in Los Angeles.
On Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials held a news conference where they displayed a variety of phony electric guitars in different sizes, shapes, and colors inside a Carson warehouse. In addition to other sibling brands including Gibson SGs, Les Pauls, and Gretsch guitars, the fakes included a variety of guitar styles. One of these genuine guitars would typically price for between $2,500 and $10,000, according to Elizabeth Heidt, chief marketing officer of Gibson.
According to Africa Bell, director of the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport, the bust was the biggest seizure of counterfeit Gibson guitars and musical instruments from the Port of Los Angeles ever.
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At first glance, the fakes appear convincing enough to the untrained eye. However, a closer look reveals that the parts and specifications are of low quality. Heidt went on to say that the sound quality is also different.
According to officials, the fake guitars, which were made to resemble the recognizable craftsmanship of the 130-year-old business, were attempted to enter the US from Asia and then sold to unwary consumers online. Citing the continuing investigation, authorities withheld further information about the case and whether any arrests had been made.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Jaime Ruiz, there is a phony version of practically everything. He went on to say that this specific probe had just started a few weeks prior and was still ongoing.
The raid, according to officials, brought attention to a larger issue with intellectual property theft and cautioned customers about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods through third-party websites or direct sales, especially with Black Friday approaching.
According to Cheryl Davies, Director of CBP’s Los Angeles Field Office, if an offer looks too good to be true, it most often is.
According to Homeland Security Investigations investigator John Pasciucco, the proceeds from the sale of counterfeit items are frequently used for a variety of illicit purposes, such as forced labor, and are connected to multinational criminal organizations.
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