Zhang Busted with Fake Goods, Austintown OH, 2023

AUSTINTOWN, OH – Man Zhang, 30, of Woodside, New York, is facing federal charges after a routine traffic stop turned up a massive haul of counterfeit merchandise. Authorities say Zhang was peddling a dizzying array of fake designer goods, including handbags, sunglasses, and clothing, across state lines.

According to an indictment unsealed today, Zhang intentionally trafficked and attempted to traffic more than 1,300 counterfeit items. The bust, which took place on March 27, 2013, revealed 225 designer handbags, 53 designer wallets, 71 pairs of designer sunglasses, 339 hats, 349 Monster and Ed Hardy tee-shirts, and 209 bottles of designer perfume – all bearing fake trademarks. The estimated value of the seized goods easily exceeds $100,000.

The fakes weren’t just close – investigators say the counterfeit marks on the merchandise were “identical to and substantially indistinguishable from” the genuine articles, registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This wasn’t some amateur operation; the intent, the indictment alleges, was to deceive consumers and profit from the deception. The government argues the use of these marks was “likely to cause confusion, mistake or to deceive.”

The operation came to a screeching halt when Zhang’s vehicle was pulled over in Austintown, Ohio, for a traffic violation. Police immediately spotted the counterfeit goods in plain view. Zhang was already wanted on outstanding state warrants, adding another layer of trouble. The vehicle was impounded, and a thorough inventory confirmed the scope of the illegal operation.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, is prosecuting the case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Kern. The investigation was spearheaded by the Cleveland Office of the Department of Homeland Security, Office Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If convicted, Zhang’s sentence will be determined by the court, taking into account his criminal history (if any) and the specifics of the offense.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Zhang is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.