You’ll Never Believe Bootleg Merchandise IL Man Was Busted With

This man in Illinois is going to jail for selling thousands of dollars worth of fake merchandise.

Selling Counterfeit Is Big Money In The Criminal World

Believe it or not but criminals in Illinois, the United States, and around the world generate millions of dollars worth of illegal funds by selling counterfeit merchandise. They get it made in foreign countries on the cheap. Then turn around and sell it on the internet. Their fake items cost a lot less than the real stuff so people will purchase the merch. It's usually things like sports gear, purses, jewelry, and fragrances. I was surprised to hear about this recent bust because it's not your typical bootleg product.

According to fox2now.com, 

Illinois Bust Counterfeit Merchandise Operation

A shipment of items from Hong Kong to Southern Illinois was tagged as suspicious. U.S. Customs agents did an investigation and discovered the boxes were loaded with counterfeit phone cases. That's a first but I'm not surprised because they are so expensive. Officers confiscated over 500 bootleg designer phone cases with fake labels for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Gucci. The value of the merchandise is $212,500. The suspect was also caught with $241,000 in cash and 3,000 vape pens with cartridges containing cannabis.

RELATED: U.S. Custom Agents Confiscated $686,00 In Counterfeit Merchandise

If The Deal Looks Too Good To Be True

When you're shopping on the internet and you happen upon a deal that seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If it's selling way below the market value, there's a very good chance it's counterfeit merchandise. This especially goes for your favorite sports team gear.