Authorities at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson electric guitars, valued at more than $18.7 million in what is being described as the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record. The guitars, originating from Asia, were intercepted by a multiagency investigation involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, Homeland Security Investigations special agents, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives.
Gibson Inc., a well-known guitar brand famous for models such as Les Paul and SG, confirmed that the seized guitars were counterfeit and emphasized that authentic Gibson guitars are only made in the U.S. The company sells over 170,000 guitars annually in more than 80 countries, with prices ranging from $2,000 to over $6,000. At a news conference, Gibson’s chief marketing officer provided tips on spotting fake guitars, such as incorrect logo placement and flimsy construction.
Counterfeit goods, including the guitars, pose risks to consumers as they are often made of substandard materials and can be harmful. Federal authorities have issued warnings about the prevalence of counterfeit goods, with China and Hong Kong accounting for a significant portion of seizures. Officials highlight the impact on legitimate businesses and the potential funding of illegal activities through the sale of counterfeit goods.
The investigation into the counterfeit operation remains ongoing, with authorities acknowledging the emotional toll on Gibson’s team, which includes American artisans dedicated to handcrafting instruments. The incident underscores the need for consumers to be cautious when purchasing goods, especially online, to ensure they are getting authentic products.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com