CBP Seizes $66M in Fake Watches: What It Means for You
What if the package you ordered online turns out to be counterfeit — and federal agents are already watching? On October 23, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Louisville intercepted a shipment from Hong Kong containing 460 fake luxury watches, with a combined retail value of over $66 million. The seizure is part of a growing CBP crackdown that has already netted hundreds of millions in counterfeit goods this year alone.
What happened in Louisville
A parcel arriving from Hong Kong and addressed to a residence in Texas caught the attention of CBP officers on October 23. Inside: 460 watches bearing the trademark of Audemars Piguet, one of the world's most recognized luxury watch brands. CBP's Centers of Excellence and Expertise — the agency's specialized trade analysts — confirmed the watches were fake. Officers seized the entire shipment for carrying counterfeit versions of registered trademarks.
Louisville Port Director Philip Onken put the seizure in context. His officers had already seized counterfeit jewelry worth $14 million in May, $54 million in fake watches in June, $28 million more in July, and 300 counterfeit watches valued at $43 million in August. The October seizure adds another $66 million to that running total. "Our officers are working hard to identify threats and shut down illicit suppliers," Onken said.
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Why this matters beyond luxury goods
Counterfeit goods are not just a problem for wealthy shoppers. CBP warns that fake products — including medications, children's toys, cosmetics, electronics, and auto parts — are often made with substandard or harmful materials. They can pose real health and safety risks. Nearly 90% of CBP's intellectual property rights seizures in Fiscal Year 2025 originated from China and Hong Kong, making those two origins the dominant source of counterfeit imports into the United States.
For immigrants in the US, this enforcement environment carries a specific risk. Receiving a shipment of counterfeit goods — even unknowingly — can draw federal attention to your address. CBP and other federal agencies share information. If you are in removal proceedings, have a pending green card application, or hold a work permit, any federal scrutiny of your household can complicate your immigration case. Lawyers recommend being cautious about packages ordered through unfamiliar online sellers, especially those shipping from overseas.
What to do
- Buy from established, reputable retailers — especially for electronics, medications, and branded goods. If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- If you receive an unexpected package and suspect it may contain counterfeit goods, do not open or redistribute it. Contact a lawyer before taking any action, especially if you have an open immigration case.
- Report suspected trade violations to CBP through the official Trade Violations Reporting site at cbp.gov — doing so proactively can protect you if a shipment was sent to your address without your knowledge.
- If federal agents contact you about a package, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Exercise that right.
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From an immigration attorney's standpoint, any federal law enforcement contact — including a CBP inquiry about a package — can surface in background checks tied to naturalization, adjustment of status, or visa applications. If agents show up at your door, you are not required to let them in without a warrant, and you are not required to answer questions without counsel present. Even if you had no knowledge of the contents of a shipment, proactively reporting the situation to CBP and documenting your lack of involvement can be critical. Consult an immigration lawyer immediately if this happens to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can receiving a counterfeit package affect my green card application?
Potentially yes. CBP and USCIS share information. If federal agents link your address to a counterfeit shipment, it may trigger additional scrutiny of your immigration case. You are not automatically disqualified, but you should tell your immigration lawyer right away so they can address it proactively.
What if I ordered something online and didn't know it was fake?
Lack of knowledge is a defense, but you need to document it. Keep records of where you ordered, what you paid, and any communications with the seller. If CBP contacts you, do not make statements without speaking to an attorney first.
Where do most counterfeit goods seized by CBP come from?
According to CBP, nearly 90% of intellectual property rights seizures in Fiscal Year 2025 originated from China and Hong Kong. Shipments from those origins receive heightened scrutiny at US ports of entry.
How do I report a suspected counterfeit shipment to CBP?
You can report trade violations directly through CBP's Trade Violations Reporting tool at cbp.gov. Reporting proactively — especially if a package was sent to your address without your consent — can help protect you from being associated with the shipment.