(Lawrenceville, Georgia, February 07, 2022) – On Thursday, November 18, 2021, Gwinnett Police Department Special Investigation Section Vice Unit seized over 9,000 counterfeit merchandise items valued at over $15,800,000 from a business named Real Moda in Lawrenceville, Ga.

An investigation on the sale of luxury goods bearing counterfeit trademarks was started in September 2021 with the assistance of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Memphis, TN and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI). As a result, Jessica Llama (31-year-old female from Lawrenceville, Ga) and Melvin Rene Jacinto Cortez (33-year-old male from Lawrenceville, GA) were charged with Possession and Sale of Goods Bearing a Counterfeit Trademark.

The three-month investigation led the officers to many counterfeit items and several items of evidentiary value. Two seizures totaling $1,066,207 led them to a local Gwinnett establishment having a total of over $15,896,061 in counterfeit items. The items were stored in multiple locations and advertised on Facebook. Luxury goods such as counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci handbags, Rolex watches, Chanel, and Versace sunglasses.

CBP in Memphis, TN selected for examination the two shipments that arrived September 28, 2021, en route from the Mexican state of Chihuahua to a residence in Lawrenceville, GA. The items were turned over to HSI, who continued their coordinated efforts with Gwinnett County.

Counterfeiting is often linked to terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, gang activity, and child labor. In addition, counterfeit luxury goods ruin the reputation of brands, contribute to an unethical labor market, and subsidize organized crime.

To report suspected counterfeits, visit CBP’s online e-Allegations portal or call 1-800-BE-ALERT. More information about counterfeit goods is available on CBP’s Fake Goods, Real Dangers website, and StopFakes.gov.