Patrick Badal, Counterfeit Perfume Ring, New York 2016

Grimy Times Exclusive: In a major blow to the underworld of luxury goods, five individuals have been charged in a national counterfeiting ring that sold millions of dollars’ worth of fake perfumes across the United States.

The suspects, PATRICK BADAL, KAIUM SHAH, KENNY NI, ABUL KASHEM, and PARVEZ SHAZZED, were arrested on December 2014 to May 2016 and presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

According to the allegations, the Counterfeit Perfume Ring imported generic liquid fragrances from China and packaged them in branded and trademarked packaging, selling the counterfeit perfumes to wholesalers in New York and at least six other states.

The operation used seven primary locations to receive, prepare, and distribute its products, including a bonded warehouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and packaging facilities in Queens, New York.

The defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. BADAL, SHAH, NI, and KASHEM were also charged with trafficking in counterfeit packaging, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. BADAL and SHAH were charged with smuggling goods into the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, praised the outstanding work of HSI, CBP, and NYPD for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.

The investigation revealed that the Counterfeit Perfume Ring distributed its products throughout New York City and outside of the city, using a freight forwarding service to deliver parcels to out-of-state addresses.

The suspects’ next court appearance is pending.

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