GANGS AND COUNTERFEIT GOODS

In 2008, we saw a large increase in cases involving documented gang members being involved in the sales and distribution of counterfeit goods. This trend appears to be growing and it appears that the answer why is simple, low risk, high reward. LASD recently had a counterfeit case involving an El Monte Flores gang member, who had previously been deported from the United States and has close ties to Le Eme. During this case, LASD seized over 2 million dollars worth of counterfeit merchandise, including shoes, perfumes, and sunglasses during their investigation.

The LAPD conducted multiple enforcement actions on a business called Now What Clothing in their Southeast Division. The location was being operated by the East Coast Crips. During the actions, LAPD recovered several handguns, 2 pounds of Marijuana, and a kilo of Methamphetamine. The Southeast Division of LAPD has also had other cases involving the Grape Street Crips and the 4 tray Crips. These cases have involved routine traffic stops and also the gangsters setting up retail stores. It appears that these stores are also being used as a front for the sales of guns and narcotics.

In LAPD’s Central Division, we have seen cases involving MS 13, 18th Street, 42nd Street Little Gangsters, and 36th Street. Most of these cases involved music piracy and luxury goods, such as handbags and sunglasses being sold in and around the Santee Alley area.

The LAPD’s Harbor Vice Unit arrested a Compton Crip, who was selling counterfeit shoes from the trunk of his car in front of a laundry mat. The gangster told law enforcement that he could make good money selling the counterfeit shoes and that no one was going to prison for it. This is the gangster mentality when it comes to selling counterfeit merchandise. Remember, gangsters can make more money selling counterfeit goods than they can selling drugs.

By Investigative Consultants