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Counterfeit Kingpin Busted in Gulfport
A Gambian national has been brought to justice in Gulfport, Mississippi, after pleading guilty to trafficking in counterfeit merchandise. Ousainou Mahanera, 33, a citizen of Gambia who resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the plea in a U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
Mahanera admitted to trafficking in counterfeit merchandise bearing counterfeit marks from the companies of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry and Fendi. The counterfeit goods included handbags, shoes, scarves and other items. He sold the items at a flea market in Algiers, Louisiana, on March 8, 2013.
The investigation into Mahanera’s activities was led by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from other agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan prosecuted the case.
Mahanera faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. He is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on January 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.
Counterfeiting is a serious crime that can have significant consequences for consumers and businesses. It’s a threat to the economic well-being of our communities and undermines the integrity of the marketplace.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property and preventing the sale of counterfeit goods. It also highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeiting and bring those responsible to justice.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at (866) 720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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