Nael Ali, 54, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced to six months in prison for violating the Indian Arts and Craft Act (IACA) by fraudulently selling counterfeit Native American jewelry as Indian-made.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Judith C. Herrera of the District of New Mexico on [date]. Ali was also ordered to pay $9,048.78 in restitution.
The IACA prohibits the offer or display for sale, or the sale of any good in a manner that falsely suggests that it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe.
Nael Ali, owner of Old Town Albuquerque jewelry stores, previously pled guilty to two felony IACA charges.
“The tremendous contributions made by Native Americans to the cultural and artistic heritage of our nation must be preserved and protected,” said New Mexico U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson.
A federal investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and FBI into an international scheme to violate the IACA resulted in the charges against Ali and co-defendant Mohammad Manasra, 58, also of Albuquerque.
The investigation, which began in 2015, involved search warrants at multiple jewelry stores in New Mexico and California.
Nael Ali’s conviction is a significant win for Native American artists and craftspeople who rely on the IACA to protect their livelihoods.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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