Wasseem Ramjaun, Counterfeit Trafficking, New York 2017

Counterfeit Trafficker Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Trafficking $4.8 Million in Fake Merchandise

Buffalo, NY – In a significant blow to those who seek to profit from fake goods, Wasseem Ramjaun, a 48-year-old Ontario importer, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny for trafficking in counterfeit goods. The sentence was handed down on an unspecified date, but the crime was committed from approximately October 2016 to August 1, 2017.

Ramjaun, who operated various importing and exporting businesses in Canada, agreed to provide an individual with authentic Yeti, Vera Bradley, and Lacoste merchandise. However, he was not authorized to use the trademarks of these companies, leading him to manufacture and import counterfeit bags that appeared identical to genuine Vera Bradley bags.

The defendant contacted a manufacturer in China and ordered the counterfeit bags, providing the manufacturer with photographs and tags of authentic Vera Bradley bags to ensure the bags appeared authentic. Between June 1 and June 8, 2017, Ramjaun imported the counterfeit Vera Bradley bags into the United States through a port of entry in the Western District of New York.

As part of his scheme, Ramjaun provided United States Customs and Border Protection with a fraudulent manufacturing agreement to conceal the fact that the bags were fraudulent. The total loss associated with Ramjaun’s conduct is estimated to be $4,800,870, the largest amount in this type of case in Western New York.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Ramjaun was convicted of trafficking in counterfeit goods and was sentenced to 24 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay $4,800,870 in restitution to compensate for the losses incurred by the victims of his scheme.

The sentencing of Wasseem Ramjaun serves as a warning to those who seek to profit from counterfeit goods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York will continue to work tirelessly to protect consumers and businesses from those who seek to deceive and cheat them.

Defendant Information:

Defendant Name: Wasseem Ramjaun

Real Full Name: Wasseem Ramjaun

Exact Criminal Charges: Trafficking in counterfeit goods

City and State: Vaughan, Ontario (operated from Canada)

Exact Date: Approximately October 2016 to August 1, 2017

Sentence or Outcome: 24 months in prison, $4,800,870 in restitution

Dollar Amounts: $4,800,870

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