Over 3,000 Fake Gibson Guitars Seized At Los Angeles Seaport In Record-Breaking Operation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, have seized a shipment of over 3,000 fake Gibson electric guitars at the Port of Los Angeles.

The shipment, coming from Asia, was flagged during routine inspections of cargo containers at the busy port. The fake guitars, valued at an estimated $18.7 million if they had been genuine, were bound for online markets.

Authorities say the guitars were made to resemble popular Gibson models, including the iconic Les Paul, but were found to be poorly constructed with inferior-quality materials.

Gibson, the renowned American guitar manufacturer, confirmed the counterfeit status of the guitars, stating that only instruments made in the U.S. are authentic.

CBP officers found the guitars inside containers that were scheduled to arrive at warehouses for resale.

The agency and HSI have been cracking down on counterfeit goods to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from intellectual property theft.

In a statement, Cheryl M. Davies, Director of CBP’s Field operations in Los Angeles, urged shoppers to be cautious when buying high-end items online, especially musical instruments.

“This seizure is a clear reminder that counterfeit goods pose a serious threat to consumers, and we are dedicated to protecting both the public and U.S. businesses from these illegal products,” she said.

Gibson appreciated the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation. The company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Beth Heidt, commented, “We are grateful for the work being done to safeguard our brand and ensure musicians are getting the authentic, high-quality instruments they deserve.”

CBP seized over 19,000 shipments containing fake products worth over $2.7 billion. Most of these items, including apparel, electronics, and musical instruments, originated from China and Hong Kong.

Authorities have warned that counterfeit products can often be difficult to distinguish from genuine items, especially for unsuspecting buyers.

These counterfeit goods can also pose safety risks due to substandard manufacturing practices.

References: CBP, NYTimes

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