Over two consecutive nights this month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Ky., intercepted five international shipments packed with counterfeit luxury jewelry — a haul worth over $25 million if the items had been genuine.

The first shipment, seized late on June 19, originated in China and was bound for a residence in Pennsylvania. Inside, officers discovered 318 bracelets bearing unauthorized versions of the Cartier trademark. Hours later, a second shipment arrived from Hong Kong, destined for an address in Tampa, Fla. That package contained 490 necklaces, 205 pairs of earrings, and 80 rings — all falsely branded as Van Cleef and Arpels.

June 20 that proved the busiest. Three additional shipments, all arriving from China, were stopped before reaching destinations in North Carolina and Michigan. Inside were 800 more imitation Cartier bracelets. In total, the five shipments included 2,193 pieces of counterfeit jewelry.

According to CBPs Centers of Excellence and Expertise, which reviewed the goods for intellectual property violations, the seized merchandise would have retailed for more than $25.32 million if authentic.

“Intellectual property theft threatens Americas economic vitality and funds criminal activities and organized crime,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office. “When consumers purchase counterfeit goods, legitimate companies lose revenue, which can force those companies to cut jobs. Our officers are dedicated to protecting private industry and consumers by removing these kinds of shipments from our commerce.”

Jewelry has topped the list of seized commodities for intellectual property rights (IPR) violations for the past three fiscal years, followed by watches and handbags. China and Hong Kong remain the dominant sources for these counterfeit goods — accounting for roughly 90% of the total quantity seized in 2024.

Often sold on underground markets and third-party e-commerce platforms, counterfeit products pose more than just economic risks. CBP warned that such items can threaten public safety by containing hazardous materials, and their sales frequently support criminal organizations and illegal labor practices.

CBP said individuals can report suspected trade violations online through its e-Allegations reporting system, or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.