CBP Seizes $2.6M in Fake Richard Mille Watches at DFW Amid Broader Counterfeit Crackdown

Key points

• CBP officers at DFW International Airport intercepted 11 fake Richard Mille watches from a shipment originating in China.
• The counterfeit watches had a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2.6 million if they were authentic.
• The seized items were destined for various locations in the southeastern United States.
• CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise determined the watches were inauthentic and bore counterfeit versions of registered trademarks.
• CBP Area Port Director Jayson Ahern stated that the sale of fake goods often funds criminal organizations involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.
• CBP advises consumers to purchase goods from authorized retailers and to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

Background

This seizure occurs in the context of ongoing CBP efforts to combat intellectual property rights violations and transnational organized crime. While DFW has been identified in recent analyses as one of the most stressful U.S. airports due to high delay rates, this incident highlights the airport's role in trade enforcement. The seizure is part of a broader trend of CBP intercepting high-value counterfeit goods, including a recent $12 million seizure of fake Audemars Piguet watches at Indianapolis International Airport.

How outlets are covering it

Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (.gov) reported the DFW seizure with consistent details, emphasizing the $2.6 million value and the link to organized crime. World Border Security Congress reported a separate but related incident, highlighting a $12 million seizure of 300 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches at Indianapolis International Airport, underscoring the scale of CBP's nationwide counterfeit enforcement efforts. All sources agree on the risks posed by counterfeit goods, including health and safety hazards and the funding of illicit activities.

Why it matters

The seizure underscores the significant economic and security implications of counterfeit luxury goods. By intercepting high-value fakes, CBP aims to protect legitimate businesses and consumers from fraud and potential health risks. The incident also highlights the role of major U.S. airports in preventing the entry of illicit goods and disrupting transnational criminal networks.

What to watch

CBP is expected to continue its aggressive enforcement of intellectual property rights, targeting high-risk items such as luxury watches, cosmetics, and electronics. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant when purchasing goods, especially from online or third-party vendors, and to report suspected counterfeits through CBP's e-Allegations portal or the 1-800-BE-ALERT hotline.