CBP Seizes $2.6M in Fake Watches at DFW Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport seized 11 counterfeit Richard Mille watches shipped from China, with a combined retail value of $2.6 million had they been real. CBP says fake luxury goods like these often fund criminal organizations tied to money laundering and drug trafficking. For immigrants who buy, sell, or unknowingly handle counterfeit goods, the legal consequences can go far beyond a fine.
What Happened at DFW
CBP officers at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport intercepted 11 knockoff Richard Mille watches in a targeted enforcement operation. The shipments came from China and were headed to multiple locations across the southeastern United States. CBP's Centers of Excellence and Expertise — the agency's trade specialists — confirmed the watches were fake and bore counterfeit versions of registered trademarks. The combined manufacturer's suggested retail price of authentic versions would have reached $2.6 million.
CBP Area Port Director Jayson Ahern stated that the sale of fake goods "often funds criminal organizations involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illicit trade." CBP data shows that watches, handbags, apparel, footwear, jewelry, and consumer electronics face the highest risk of counterfeiting. Counterfeit goods are regularly sold through online marketplaces and flea markets, making them easy to encounter without realizing it.
Criminal & Immigration Checklist — Free
How criminal cases affect your immigration status
Why This Matters for Immigrants
Buying, selling, or transporting counterfeit goods — even unknowingly — can create serious immigration problems. A criminal conviction related to fraud or trafficking in counterfeit merchandise can affect a green card application, a naturalization (citizenship) process, or an asylum case. Immigration law treats crimes involving "moral turpitude" — a legal term for dishonest or harmful conduct — as grounds for deportation or denial of immigration benefits. Selling fake goods can fall into that category.
Counterfeit products also carry real safety risks. CBP warns that fake electronics often overheat, fake medications may contain harmful substances, and counterfeit children's toys can be made with dangerous materials. These are not just consumer issues — they are legal and health risks that can affect anyone in the supply chain.
What to Do
- Buy directly from brand-authorized retailers or the trademark holder's official website — never from unknown online sellers offering luxury goods at suspiciously low prices.
- If you receive a package you did not order or that looks suspicious, do not sell or distribute it. Contact CBP through the e-Allegations portal at cbp.gov or call 1-800-BE-ALERT to report suspected counterfeits.
- If you have been charged with any crime related to counterfeit goods, speak with an immigration attorney immediately — before your next immigration filing or court date. A conviction can affect removal proceedings, a green card application, or naturalization.
- Review CBP's E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers, available at cbp.gov, to learn how to spot fakes before you buy.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
A conviction for trafficking in counterfeit goods can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which can trigger deportation for green card holders or bar someone from obtaining lawful status. Even a guilty plea to a reduced charge can have immigration consequences that a criminal defense attorney may not flag. If you are facing any charge connected to counterfeit merchandise, consult an immigration attorney before accepting any plea deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can buying counterfeit goods affect my green card or immigration status?
Possibly. If you are charged with or convicted of a crime related to counterfeit goods — such as trafficking in fake merchandise — it could be treated as a crime involving moral turpitude under immigration law. That can affect a green card application, naturalization, or lead to removal proceedings. A single purchase for personal use is less likely to cause problems, but selling or distributing fakes is a much higher risk.
What happens if I unknowingly receive a counterfeit shipment?
CBP can seize the package. If you did not know the goods were fake and you are not part of a distribution scheme, you are unlikely to face criminal charges. However, if you sell or pass along the goods, your legal exposure increases significantly. Report suspicious packages to CBP at 1-800-BE-ALERT.
Does a counterfeit goods charge count as a deportable offense?
It depends on the specific charge and your immigration status. Crimes involving fraud or dishonesty can qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude, which is a deportable offense for non-citizens. The details matter — talk to an immigration attorney before your case is resolved in criminal court.
How can I tell if a product I am buying online is counterfeit?
CBP recommends buying only from authorized retailers or directly from the brand. When shopping online, check for a working U.S. phone number, a real address, and verified seller reviews. If the price seems far below market value for a luxury item, that is a strong warning sign. CBP's E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide at cbp.gov has more tips.