An American electronic store owner arrested or faces imprisonment for selling counterfeit Apple products – Passionategeekz –

[CNMO Technology News]Passionategeekz learned from foreign media that authorities in Essex County, New Jersey, United States recently arrested an electronic store owner, accusing him of selling more than 100 counterfeit Apple products, including counterfeit iPhones, AirPods Max and other devices. During the operation, authorities confiscated hundreds of fake products that mimicked Apple’s retail packaging.

The arrest was reportedly under the Essex County Intellectual Property Enforcement Program. The 63-year-old defendant, from Woodland Park, was arrested in early June. Investigators linked his store in Orange City to the sale of counterfeit apple merchandise, so he was charged with third-degree counterfeiting. The defendant has not yet filed a plea and the investigation is still underway.

It is reported that in New Jersey, third-degree counterfeiting is a felony, and can be sentenced to three to five years in prison. But state law tends to probation rather than imprisonment for first-time offenders unless aggravated circumstances are found. More than 100 counterfeit Apple products were seized in the operation, and the specific device names have not been announced yet. Counterfeit electronic products not only violate trademark laws, but also bring safety risks. Apple recommends consumers only purchase accessories marked “Made for iPhone/iPad” (MFi) from authorized retailers.

Prosecutors said the arrest stemmed from a coordinated investigation that included secret purchases and records of Apple’s registered trademark products. Authorities have not yet announced the estimated retail value of the confiscated products, nor have they ruled out additional charges. Investigators are reviewing the supply chain and it is not clear whether the defendants act independently or have upstream suppliers. Foreign media said,Counterfeit Apple products are still circulating in physical stores and online markets.

At present, the investigation is still continuing, and the authorities have not released the store name or specific equipment details.

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