A multi-agency investigation at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport resulted in the seizure of thousands of fake Gibson electric guitars.
Authorities estimate that the 3,000 phony guitars would be worth roughly $18 million if they were authentic.
At a late-morning news conference, Gibson Inc., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations announced the seizure.
“These guitars… may look real to you, but trust and believe they are not,” Africa Bell, port director for the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport stated. “They are fraudulent, and they are part of a massive attempt to con the American consumer.”
According to Bell, the e-commerce business was probably where the fakes were headed.
Some of the guitars that were designed to seem like the renowned guitar maker’s products were on tables at the news conference in Carson. Others stayed inside the warehouse in boxes that were piled at least six feet high.
Authorities referred to it as the biggest seizure of bogus musical instruments ever.
“This is a big deal,” attorney Andrea Bates, who represents Gibson Inc. stated “They were able to facilitate to identify and to seize $18 million worth of counterfeit guitars. This is something that’s incredibly significant. We are thrilled that they have worked with us and helped take these counterfeit guitars off the market.”
Gibson’s chief marketing officer, Beth Heidt, said that specialists could quickly identify the bogus guitars. She added that any expert guitarist who is aware of Gibson’s artistry would be able to detect them.
“We can pick it up immediately and tell,” Heidt stated. “For the untrained eye, there are a couple of tips.”
The location or appearance of the logo may differ from that of a real Gibson product. Additionally, the logo may bleed.
“The inlays are not correct,” Heidt stated. “The weight of them it feels more flimsy. There are finish issues. The way the neck is fit into the guitar is inaccurate.”
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“So there are quite a few ways you can tell that it’s not accurate.” According to Heidt, the sound and material quality also provide a clue.
Citing an ongoing investigation, no information was released regarding the individuals responsible for the counterfeit enterprise. Bell noted that certain cargoes attract the attention of port authorities, but he did not disclose at the press conference the specifics of what prompted the probe.
