QUEENS, NY – Fei Wu, alongside several corporations associated with him, faces serious charges related to trademark counterfeiting and money laundering. The charges stem from their involvement in distributing counterfeit automobile accessories for luxury brands, including Mercedes Benz and BMW. Wu, a 39-year-old resident of Glendale, was arraigned on various counts related to trademark counterfeiting and money laundering.
Queens District Attorney Katz highlighted the significance of the case, pointing out the detrimental impact of counterfeit goods trafficking on legitimate businesses and consumers. The arrest is the culmination of a long-term investigation into an elaborate scheme to sell phony custom auto accessories.
Acting Special Agent Erin Keegan of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York emphasized the broader implications of such criminal activities on local communities and the national economy. The NYPD Commissioner, Edward A. Caban, stressed that trademark counterfeiting is not a victimless crime, underlining its adverse effects on consumers, businesses, and potentially funding criminal activities.
The investigation, initiated in 2019, revealed Wu’s operations involved selling counterfeit versions of luxury car tire rims on eBay, followed by separate shipments of counterfeit logos to complete the deceit. A series of controlled purchases and thorough investigations led to the arrests and the seizure of thousands of counterfeit items, along with significant cash amounts. Wu’s assets, including bank and investment accounts, have been frozen as part of the legal proceedings.
Wu could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The case underscores the rigorous efforts of law enforcement to clamp down on counterfeit goods trafficking, highlighting the collaboration between the NYPD, HSI, and other federal agencies in tackling such sophisticated criminal enterprises.