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.
The seizure was disclosed at a late-morning news conference by Gibson Inc., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
According to Africa Bell, port director of the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport, these guitars may appear authentic to you, but trust and believe they are not. They are dishonest and part of a larger scheme to defraud American consumers.
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 famed guitar maker’s wares were on exhibit 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.
Attorney Andrea Bates, who works for Gibson Inc., stated that this is a significant matter. They were successful in locating and confiscating fake guitars valued at $18 million. There is something really important about this. That they collaborated with us to help remove these fake guitars from the market makes us very happy.
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.
Heidt stated, “We can pick it up right away and tell.” There are a few pointers for the untrained eye.
The location or appearance of the logo may differ from that of a real Gibson product. Additionally, the logo may bleed.
Heidt stated that the inlays were incorrect. They feel more fragile due to their weight. Finish problems exist. The neck is not fitted into the guitar correctly.
You can therefore detect that it is inaccurate in a number of ways.
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.
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