LOS ANGELES, CA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport recently seized more than 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars. These instruments, if authentic, would have carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of over $18.7 million.
The operation collaborated with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and Gibson officials.
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The counterfeit guitars were intercepted in ocean cargo from Asia. CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence (CPMM) assisted in determining the MSRP of the items. Gibson confirmed the guitars were fake, emphasizing that authentic Gibson instruments are handcrafted in the U.S.
“These fraudulent guitars may look and feel legitimate for unsuspecting consumers buying them from third-party online sources, street markets, unauthorized retailers, and person-to-person transactions,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “As we approach the busy Holiday shopping season, consumers should pay attention to where they are buying these goods and how much they are paying, and if is too good to be true it probably is.”
Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian expressed gratitude for the enforcement efforts, noting the importance of protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the Gibson brand.
“Our partnership is designed to help every agency work together to protect consumers and our fans from being misled into counterfeits. Today’s announcement gives us hope that we are on the right track, working together as partners. To our music lovers and customers, no matter which American brand you decide to buy, always buy directly from the source, or from authorized dealers. Our pledge is to protect the consumer and give them the tools to make the journey of playing guitar and making music the most amazing experience.”
Beth Heidt, Gibson’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the emotional significance of this work, referencing the brand’s rich 130-year history.
Counterfeit products also pose broader risks, said HSI Los Angeles Deputy Special Agent John Pasciucco.
“Intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime. Victims are American consumers, businesses, trademark holders and people who manufacture and sell legitimate products. Often, the illicit proceeds resulting from the sale of counterfeit or unlicensed products are funneled back to support a broad range of illegal activities,” he said.
Lieutenant William Kitchin of the LASD added that fake products fail to meet safety or quality standards, jeopardizing consumers.
CBP Port Director Africa R. Bell underscored the criminal enterprises behind counterfeiting.
“Counterfeiters are only interested in making a profit – they do not care about you or your family’s well-being or the well-being of our economy,” Bell said.
CBP’s nationwide efforts to combat counterfeiting seized nearly 23 million fake goods in fiscal year 2023 alone, valued at more than $2.7 billion if genuine. The seizure of counterfeit goods from China and Hong Kong accounted for most of these cases.
Consumers are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of counterfeit goods by visiting CBP’s “Fake Goods, Real Dangers” website and StopFakes.gov. Reports of suspected violations can be made through CBP’s e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System.