Iselin Gold Jewelry Importer Admits To U.S. Customs Fraud

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A pair of brothers who own a jewelry business in Iselin admitted they evaded U.S. customs on gold jewelry imported into the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced Thursday.

The company is 21st Millennium Inc., located in the Iselin section of Woodbridge. It is owned by brothers Iqbal Virani and Aqib Virani.

It was specifically 82 pieces of gold jewelry made in foreign countries they imported into the U.S. in between Jan. 1, 2017 through March 31, 2020.

Customs agents say the Viranis undervalued the jewelry, which enabled them to save $401,852 in customs duties that should have been paid to the United States.

This September, the Virani brothers agreed to settle in federal court. Under the terms of the settlement agreement — which is publicly available and you can read here — they agreed to pay a total of $1 million to the United States.

The case against them was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security agents.

21st Millennium/Virani settlement: https://content.govdelivery.co...