Fake Native Art Scam Exposed in Alaska

Fake Native Art Scam Exposed in Alaska

Juneau, Alaska – A brazen scheme to sell fake Native American art has been busted in Southeast Alaska, with five business owners and an employee facing charges under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA).

The US Attorney’s office announced today that an investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has resulted in the filing of charges against Vinod ‘Vinny’ L. Sippy, 38, d.b.a. Diamond Island, Icy Strait, and Gemstone Heaven; Norma M. Carandang, 60, d.b.a. Northstar Gift Shop; Gabriel T. Karim, 33, d.b.a. Alaskan Heritage; Rosemary V. Libert, 56, d.b.a. Lynch and Kennedy Dry Goods, Inc.; and Judy M. Gengler, 65, a seasonal employee of Libert’s business.

The defendants allegedly sold bone carvings to tourists, claiming they were made by Alaska Natives or Indians when in fact they were created by local non-native carvers. This deceitful practice has been going on since May 2014, with the USFWS receiving complaints from summer tourists who were misled by the businesses.

The maximum penalty for violating the IACA as charged is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Arraignment dates have not been set.

US Attorney Karen L. Loeffler commended the USFWS for their investigation, which was assisted by the Indian Arts and Crafts Board in Washington D.C. and the Alaska Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Protection Unit.

An Information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act was enacted to protect consumers from being deceived into purchasing goods that are misrepresented as Native American-made. The law is a crucial tool in preventing the sale of fake Native American art and promoting cultural integrity.