Related Federal Cases
Counterfeiting Ring Busted in Houston
HOUSTON, TX – In a major blow to the counterfeit goods trade, two men from China have been convicted of counterfeiting thousands of luxury items. Yintang Cao, 48, and Hong Zhang, 46, pleaded guilty to the charge before U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal.
The pair was found with more than 14,000 fake luxury items bearing the names of Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Versace. These high-end fashion brands are often the target of counterfeiters looking to make a quick profit.
Cao and Zhang were charged with separate, but related, criminal informations on March 15, 2013. Today, they admitted to knowingly using counterfeit marks on and in connection with such goods, identical to and substantially indistinguishable from genuine marks, the use of which was likely to cause confusion, mistake and to deceive.
The felony Information and subsequent convictions came after an intensive investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. This investigation highlights the ongoing effort to combat counterfeit goods and protect consumers from these fake products.
The pair faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a $2 million fine. Judge Rosenthal has set sentencing for August 9, 2013. They were permitted to remain on bond pending their sentencing hearing.
This case serves as a reminder of the severity of penalties for those involved in counterfeiting. The sale of counterfeit goods not only harms businesses but also puts consumers at risk. It is essential to be aware of the warning signs of counterfeit products and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The conviction of Cao and Zhang is a significant victory for law enforcement and a testament to the importance of their work in protecting consumers and upholding the law.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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