LOS ANGELES — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and representatives from Gibson, have seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars arriving from Asia. Had they been genuine, the guitars would have been valued at an estimated $18.7 million.
The seizure took place at the LA/Long Beach Seaport, where the counterfeit guitars were intercepted in ocean containers. The guitars included a variety of iconic Gibson models, including several versions of the popular Les Paul, which were confirmed as fake after inspection. Gibson officials noted that all authentic Gibson guitars are crafted in the U.S.A., making the seized items unmistakably counterfeit.
CBP officers, working with HSI agents and LASD investigators, were able to stop the illegal shipment, which could have caused significant harm to consumers. Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, emphasized the risk of counterfeit goods for unsuspecting buyers. “These fraudulent guitars may look and feel legitimate to consumers buying them from third-party online sources, street markets, and unauthorized retailers,” Davies said. “As we approach the busy holiday shopping season, consumers should be especially cautious about where they buy products and ensure they aren’t being misled by deals that seem ‘too good to be true.’”
The Dangers of Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit products, like the fake guitars seized in this operation, are not only a financial concern for legitimate businesses but also pose significant risks to consumers. “Counterfeit products harm legitimate businesses, erode consumer trust, and damage the reputation of iconic brands like Gibson,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant William Kitchin. “Beyond the economic losses, counterfeit goods often do not meet safety or quality standards, leaving consumers at risk.”
John Pasciucco, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Los Angeles, added, “Intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts American consumers, businesses, trademark holders, and manufacturers. The illicit proceeds from the sale of counterfeit products are often funneled back to support a range of illegal activities.”
A Personal Victory for Gibson
The seizure was particularly personal for Gibson, as the company is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Gibson’s Chief Marketing Officer, Beth Heidt, spoke passionately about the impact of counterfeiting on the company’s legacy. “This is really emotional and personal for us,” Heidt said. “It’s about protecting our players, our artisans, and the generations of American families who have dedicated their lives to handcrafting Gibson instruments in Nashville and Bozeman. Counterfeiting undermines everything we stand for—quality, craftsmanship, and the musicians we work with to create the sounds that have shaped music history.”
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, also praised the joint effort to stop the counterfeit operation. “We are grateful for the hard work of CBP, HSI, and the LASD investigators,” Gueikian said. “This partnership helps protect consumers and ensures that the fans of Gibson guitars are not misled by counterfeits.”
The Global Impact of Counterfeit Goods
The seizure is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to combat the growing problem of counterfeit goods entering the U.S. market. “Counterfeit goods fund criminal enterprises that engage in forced labor, smuggling, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities,” said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach Seaport. “Counterfeiters are only interested in making a profit—at the expense of consumers, legitimate businesses, and our economy.”
In fiscal year 2023, CBP seized nearly 20,000 shipments of counterfeit goods, totaling more than 23 million items. The total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of these seized goods, had they been genuine, was over $2.7 billion. Products from China and Hong Kong accounted for the majority of these counterfeit goods, representing 46% of seizures and 84% of the total value of goods seized.
What Consumers Can Do
CBP and law enforcement agencies are urging consumers to be vigilant when purchasing high-value items like musical instruments. Counterfeit goods often appear similar to legitimate products but may be made from inferior materials and lack quality control, putting consumers at risk. To avoid purchasing counterfeit items, experts recommend buying from authorized retailers and checking product authenticity through official channels.
