LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities on Thursday said they've uncovered a sprawling counterfeit retail operation hidden in plain sight in downtown Los Angeles, which was stuffed with luxury merchandise worth up to $10 million.
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department's Major Crimes Bureau raided a retail storefront and nearby warehouse early Thursday morning, uncovering what investigators described as a massive cache of counterfeit goods inside a commercial building in the Fashion District, according to the department.
Authorities estimate the street value of the seized merchandise falls somewhere between $5 million and $10 million.
The investigation focused on the possession and sale of counterfeit luxury products. Search warrants were served at a retail store in the 500 block of South Los Angeles Street and a warehouse in the 500 block of Main Street, according to deputies.
Photos released by investigators show what appear to be imitation brand-name products — but not just high-end handbags and accessories. Mixed into the haul were eclectic items including Hello Kitty-themed merchandise, a Coach bag and what appeared to be a Lululemon bag.
A man and a woman, whose names were not released, were arrested during the operation, deputies said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and sheriff’s officials said additional arrests or criminal charges could follow as detectives continue tracing the source and distribution network behind the counterfeit merchandise.
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