Trang Doan Hoang and Quoc-Thang Ngo Mai, Trafficking in Counterfeit…

Two Conneaut, Ohio residents have been handed down substantial sentences for their involvement in a massive counterfeit merchandise scheme. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 37-year-old Trang Doan Hoang and 39-year-old Quoc-Thang Ngo Mai have each been sentenced for trafficking in counterfeit merchandise.

Hoang was sentenced to four months in prison followed by two years of supervised release, including a mandatory initial home confinement period with electronic monitoring. Mai, on the other hand, was sentenced to two years of probation, commencing with six months of home confinement and electronic monitoring.

The counterfeit wares, totaling 146 designer handbags, 47 designer wallets, and 16 fake Rolex watches, have been seized and will be forfeited to the United States for destruction. These items were found to bear counterfeit marks, logos, labels, and packaging that were identical to genuine merchandise, posing a significant threat to consumers.

The scheme was uncovered following an extensive investigation by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who worked hand in hand with the Cybercrime Coordinator for the Cleveland U.S. Attorney’s Office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Kern.

Hoang and Mai were indicted on September 13, 2012, and pleaded guilty to their charges on November 6, 2012. The merchandise was found to be intentionally trafficked between December 21, 2011, and February 14, 2012.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the impact counterfeit goods can have on legitimate businesses and consumers alike, and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protect intellectual property rights.