A multi-agency investigation at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport resulted in the seizure of 3,000 counterfeit Gibson electric guitars, valued at about $18 million if they were real. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Gibson Inc. were involved in the seizure. The guitars, which were likely destined for the e-commerce market, were described as a massive attempt to con the American consumer by port director Africa Bell.
During a news conference in Carson, some of the fake guitars were displayed, while others were stacked in boxes inside the warehouse, making it the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record. Attorney Andrea Bates, representing Gibson Inc., emphasized the significance of identifying and seizing the counterfeit guitars to prevent them from reaching the market.
Gibson’s chief marketing officer, Beth Heidt, explained how experts and professional guitar players could easily recognize the fake guitars by details such as the logo, inlays, weight, finish, and the way the neck is fit into the guitar. The material and sound quality also differ from genuine Gibson products.
No information was provided about the individuals behind the counterfeit operation, citing an ongoing investigation. However, it was mentioned that certain shipments draw the attention of port officials, leading to further investigation.
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