North Texas police seize more than 62,000 counterfeit luxury items following social media-based scam investigation
A man was arrested and police seized more than 62,000 suspected counterfeit luxury items following a multi-agency investigation into a social media-based distribution operation, Rowlett police said.
Police said in a press release that the investigation began on Feb. 9 after receiving a tip that the counterfeit product was being sold via Facebook Live and distributed at different locations in Rowlett.
On Feb. 17, detectives arrested a man and seized 62,694 items of suspected counterfeit merchandise, approximately $208,000 and a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, police said.
Police said the fake items would be worth more than $101.6 million if authentic, with an estimated street value of about $995,276.
Authorities say Orlando Gonzalez Marcella is charged with trademark forgery worth more than $300,000, a first-degree felony, and is currently in the Dallas County Jail. Rowlett police say an arrest warrant has been issued for Aida Karina Lopez Alvarrez, who remains at large.
“Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime,” Rowlett Chief Michael Denning said in a statement. he said. “Operations like this deceive consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and often fund broader criminal activity.”
Authorities said the investigation involved the Rowlett Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as anti-counterfeiting experts representing brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
