Marcos Ferrando, Smuggling Luxury Watches, Florida 2013

Smuggling Watch Scandal Rocks Miami

A shocking case of luxury watch smuggling has come to light in the city of Miami, where a Dominican Republic native has pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle and introduce into the US thousands of dollars' worth of high-end timepieces. Marcos Ferrando, 29, of Santo Domingo, has been sentenced to 100 days imprisonment, followed by deportation, for his role in the crime.

According to court documents, Ferrando and his wife arrived at Miami International Airport on a commercial flight from the Dominican Republic on January 31, 2013. In response to a customs declaration form, the couple claimed they were not carrying any items to be sold in the US. However, a CBP officer discovered twelve manufacturer manuals and warranties for Audemars Piguet watches in Ferrando's luggage.

Further inspection revealed four watches in Ferrando's carry-on bag and three concealed in his wife's handbag. Both Ferrando and his wife were also wearing an Audemars Piguet watch. The model numbers on six of the watches matched the model numbers on six of the manuals, leading officials to believe that Ferrando had planned to sell the watches to a buyer in downtown Miami.

Ferrando, who is set to be deported, has agreed to forfeit the watches. The government estimates the total value of the watches to be approximately $400,000.00, with customs duties owed to be about $20,000.00. US Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer commended the joint efforts of ICE-HSI and CBP in bringing the case to justice.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Robert T. Watson. The full press release from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida can be found online at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Ferrando's guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against luxury goods smuggling in the US. As this case demonstrates, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that those who attempt to circumvent customs regulations are brought to justice.

The case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies, who continue to work tirelessly to protect the American people from the scourge of luxury goods smuggling.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/alien-pleads-guilty-smuggling-luxury-watches-dominican-republic-sell-downtown-miami