COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office and the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department partnered to conduct a sting last week that resulted in the confiscation of $156,430 in counterfeit CDs, DVDs, jewelry, handbags and wallets. Charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods and illegal distribution of recordings was Tomer Ibi of 4012 Scarlett Oaks Dive, Myrtle Beach.
The counterfeit items bore the trademarks of Baby Phat, Burberry, Chanel, Christian Dior, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Ecko, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, NASCAR, Motion Picture Association of America, Prada, Recording Industry Association of America, Rocawear, and Versace.
The North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department received a consumer complaint regarding possible counterfeit goods at Musical Genius, Barefoot Landing at 4718 E. Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach. Among their findings, investigators with the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department and the Secretary of State’s Office found over 200 metal labels bearing the Dolce & Gabbana logo that were ready to be affixed to bogus handbags. Many handbags had already been punctured to allow for the application of the metal labels. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department awaits a court order to destroy them.
The Myrtle Beach area has been a hotbed of counterfeit merchandise activity due to the constant influx of tourists. Over the last five and one-half years approximately $3 million of inferior counterfeit merchandise has been sold to visitors, resulting in the arrest of more than 30 people.
“The City of North Myrtle Beach’s Public Safety Department is dedicated to protecting its residents, visitors and businesses from all types of crime,” said North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Director William Bailey. “Illegal activity, such as counterfeiting merchandise, abuses the public and honest businesses. We appreciate the state’s support and thank the Secretary of State’s Office for helping us keep North Myrtle Beach a safe place to live, work and visit.”
“The sale of counterfeit merchandise is illegal and purchasing these goods supports illegal activity,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “The Myrtle Beach area is known worldwide for its ‘fun in the sun’ hospitality, and we must protect that reputation and not let individuals exploit our tourists and legitimate businesses. I commend the efforts of the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department in protecting intellectual property rights and the citizens of this state as well as our visitors.”
Ibi may face fines up to $25,000 and/or five years in prison for the trafficking in counterfeit goods charge, and $250,000 and/or five years in prison for the illegal distribution of recordings charge. The trafficking of counterfeit goods valued between $10,000 and $50,000 is a felony. This legislation was a result of the joint efforts of law enforcement and the Secretary of State’s Office.
For more information regarding trademark violations or to register a mark, contact Secretary of State Mark Hammond’s office at (803) 734-2170.
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