FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com DECEMBER 18, 2014 • THE COURIER SUN 11 Seven Queens residents charged with selling fake designer goods worth $2.2 million BY THE QUEENS COURIER STAFF [email protected]/@QueensCourier Buying fake designer bags may be a cheaper option this holiday season, but selling fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel handbags proved costly for seven Queens residents. The seven were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Dec. 10 on charges of second-degree trademark counterfeiting for selling fake designer handbags, gloves, wallets, watches and other goods worth more than $2.2 million, according to District Attorney Richard Brown. The defendants have been identifi ed as Naqing Zhang, 31, and his wife, Wei Wei Dong, 32, of Whitestone; Chin C. Chu, 43, and his wife, Jian Y. Xia, 38, of Flushing; Sai E. Chen, 39, also of Flushing; Wei A. Liao, 41, of Jamaica; and Pizhong Zhou, 22, of Douglaston. The arrests were the result of an investigation — dubbed “Operation Treasure Hunt” — that began this summer. It was a joint investigation, conducted by the New York Police Department’s Organized Crime Investigations Bureau, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the District Attorney’s Economic Crimes Bureau. The defendants were caught after each of them sold multiple fake designer goods — Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel handbags; boots and jackets bearing logos of The North Face, UGG and Michael Kors; and Beats by Dr. Dre headphones — to undercover operatives between August and December 2014. “Trademark counterfeiting is not a victimless crime,” said Brown, adding that these operations fuel an underground economy. “They are cash businesses that pay no taxes, damage the reputations of reputable brand owners and lower consumer confi dence in the name brands by foisting inferior products into the marketplace.” The defendants, who each face up to four years in prison if convicted, were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to return to court on Jan. 27. Photo courtesy Queens District Attorney’s offi ce Queens District Attorney Richard Brown with the seized counterfeit goods. Great rates like ours don’t grow on trees. 36-Month CD 1.70%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. 60-Month CD 2..05%APY* $5,000 minimum deposit *New money only. APY effective November 24, 2014. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
SC12182014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above