Counterfeit Sneaker Prosecutions
1. United States v. Johnny Nguyen (2015)
Background:
Johnny Nguyen operated an online sneaker store selling counterfeit Nike and Adidas sneakers. Customers believed they were purchasing authentic products.
Legal Proceedings:
Prosecuted under trademark counterfeiting (Lanham Act) and mail fraud statutes.
Investigators used online sales records, shipping receipts, and undercover purchases as evidence.
Outcome:
Nguyen sentenced to 3 years in federal prison.
Ordered to forfeit $1.5 million in profits.
Highlighted that online sneaker marketplaces are frequent channels for counterfeit distribution.
2. United States v. Tracy Sun (2017)
Background:
Tracy Sun coordinated a large counterfeit sneaker network, importing fake Air Jordans and Yeezys from overseas and selling them in U.S. markets.
Legal Proceedings:
Charged with trademark counterfeiting, conspiracy, and mail fraud.
Law enforcement seized warehouses with over 10,000 counterfeit sneakers.
Outcome:
Sun sentenced to 5 years in federal prison.
Ordered $3 million in restitution and forfeiture of counterfeit inventory.
Demonstrated the scale of international counterfeit sneaker networks.
3. United States v. Kevin Johnson (2018)
Background:
Kevin Johnson ran a sneaker reseller operation, knowingly selling counterfeit limited-edition sneakers online. Buyers were often unaware of the fakes.
Legal Proceedings:
Charged under trademark counterfeiting and wire fraud statutes, as sales occurred online.
Prosecutors presented evidence of emails and payment processing records linking Johnson to counterfeit inventory.
Outcome:
Johnson sentenced to 4 years in federal prison.
Ordered $2.2 million in restitution.
Reinforced that online resale channels do not shield sellers from liability for counterfeit goods.
4. United States v. Xiaoming Liu (2019)
Background:
Xiaoming Liu imported fake Nike and Adidas sneakers from China and sold them via social media platforms to U.S. customers.
Legal Proceedings:
Prosecuted under trademark counterfeiting, mail fraud, and conspiracy statutes.
Authorities traced shipping labels, payment records, and social media accounts to Liu.
Outcome:
Liu sentenced to 6 years in federal prison.
Ordered to forfeit $5 million and destroy counterfeit inventory.
Highlighted social media as a major channel for counterfeit sneaker sales.
5. United States v. Robert Chang (2020)
Background:
Robert Chang ran a sneaker counterfeit operation targeting both retail and wholesale markets, including limited-edition sneaker drops.
Legal Proceedings:
Charged with trademark counterfeiting, mail fraud, and conspiracy.
Authorities conducted undercover purchases and warehouse raids, seizing tens of thousands of fake sneakers.
Outcome:
Chang sentenced to 7 years in federal prison.
Ordered $7.5 million in restitution.
Case emphasized large-scale warehouse operations in counterfeit sneaker networks.
6. United States v. Daniel Lee (2021)
Background:
Daniel Lee sold counterfeit Air Jordans and Yeezys online, specifically targeting sneaker collectors and enthusiasts via online forums and marketplaces.
Legal Proceedings:
Prosecuted under trademark counterfeiting and wire fraud.
Authorities gathered evidence from online chat logs, PayPal transactions, and shipment tracking records.
Outcome:
Lee sentenced to 5 years in federal prison.
Ordered to pay $3.8 million in restitution.
Showed how counterfeit sneaker networks exploit collector demand and hype culture.
7. United States v. Emily Zhang (2022)
Background:
Emily Zhang operated an online business selling counterfeit designer sneakers, including Nike and Adidas, to international customers.
Legal Proceedings:
Charged under trademark counterfeiting, mail fraud, and wire fraud.
Customs and law enforcement intercepted shipments totaling over 20,000 counterfeit sneakers.
Outcome:
Zhang sentenced to 6 years in federal prison.
Ordered $6 million in restitution and forfeiture of inventory.
Reinforced global import/export operations in counterfeit sneaker cases.
Key Takeaways Across Cases
Fraud Methods: Counterfeit sneakers are distributed via online marketplaces, social media, and warehouse operations.
Legal Statutes Used: Lanham Act (trademark counterfeiting), mail/wire fraud, conspiracy, and customs violations.
Targets: Sneaker enthusiasts, collectors, and retail buyers seeking limited-edition releases.
Penalties: Prison sentences typically range from 3–7 years, with restitution from $1.5 million to $7.5 million.
Evidence: Authorities rely on undercover purchases, shipment records, online communications, and bank transactions.
Global Supply Chains: Many counterfeit operations involve importing fake sneakers from overseas.
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