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New Jersey Man Admits to Trafficking Counterfeit UGG Boots
NEWARK, N.J. – Shi Wei Zheng, a 42-year-old man from Staten Island, New York, pleaded guilty to trafficking over $2.5 million in counterfeit UGG boots through the Port of Newark.
According to documents filed in the case, Zheng received shipping container numbers from an individual overseas that identified at least three containers containing counterfeit UGG boots. He then asked individuals working at the Port of Newark to remove the containers before they could be examined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Once the containers were removed, Zheng directed that they be delivered to other individuals working for him, who would then distribute the boots in New Jersey and elsewhere. However, before Zheng could distribute the goods, law enforcement intercepted the containers and determined the boots were counterfeit.
In total, Zheng trafficked in over 15,000 pairs of counterfeit UGG boots, with a total estimated retail value of over $2.5 million. Zheng also paid individuals over $50,000 in exchange for the delivery of the containers.
The trafficking in counterfeit goods charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. Zheng will be sentenced on January 23, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the investigation leading to Zheng’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark. Defense counsel is Scott B. Tulman, Esq. of New York.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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