Long Island Retailer Had Thousands of Fake North Face Coats in Warehouse: DA

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HICKSVILLE, NY - A Long Island retailer was arrested Monday for a $2 million trademark counterfeiting scheme after authorities discovered more than 50,000 fake The North Face coats in a Hicksville warehouse, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

Haryash Paul, 64, was arrested at the warehouse by investigators after the NCDA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at the facilities, located at 230 Engineers Drive, and seized the counterfeit jackets, which were allegedly shipped to New York from Bangladesh.

The DA said the merchandise that was seized consisted of coats in various styles, sizes and colors with a combined street value in excess of $2 million.

Paul allegedly sold the jackets through two businesses: Manhattan-based Glamour Line Inc. and a Jericho-based business known as TRB Designs and Resources, Inc.

Paul was arraigned Tuesday and charged with first degree trademark counterfeiting.

“DA Investigators worked closely with our federal partners to successfully stop more than 50,000 counterfeit coats from reaching customers this holiday season, and one defendant is facing serious charges as a result,” Singas said in a press release.

Experts said these counterfeit jackets reportedly sell for approximately one-third the price of the actual product, but do not not offer the same kind of quality and warmth as the genuine The North Face jackets.

The North Face products are only sold by authorized distributors and the DA said both of Paul’s companies are not associated with The North Face businesses.

“The seizure of millions of dollars in counterfeit goods this week deals a serious blow to those who attempt to sell inferior products to unwitting consumers,” said Glenn Sorge, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations New York. “As we finish up a busy shopping season we again remind consumers to heighten their awareness when buying items whose price seems too good to be true.”

Paul could face five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge. Paul’s bail was set at $15,000 bond or $7,500 cash and he is due back in court on Jan. 4.

Images via NCDA