OPERATION "DESIGNED jUSTICE"

Law enforcement officials from around Northern California successfully wrapped up Operation “Designed Justice” with the arrests of multiple subjects and the seizure of millions of dollars worth of counterfeit goods. Operation Designed Justice involved the US Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Immigration Customs Enforcement, US Attorney’s Office, State Parole, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, Placer County Sheriff’s Department, Sacramento Police Department, Galt Police Department, Lodi Police Department, Elk Grove Police Department and a team from Investigative Consultants. The operation was spearheaded by Detective Jim Hudson of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department and Special Agent Kelly Shintaku of the U.S. Secret Service.

The operation targeted major distributors of all types of counterfeit goods that were being distributed from the Galt Flea Market in Galt, California. During the investigation of the subjects, it was determined that several of the targets were actually importing the counterfeit goods directly from China and were also involved in other serious crimes.

At first glance, one would believe that the subjects at the flea market were “small time” swap meet type vendors. Law enforcement learned very quickly that this was not the case. The subjects of the investigation were selling all types of counterfeit goods, including counterfeit electrical items. Samples of the counterfeit electrical items were tested for safety. The tests revealed that the electrical items were actually very dangerous and posed a serious safety risk.

During the operation, law enforcement was able to identify numerous storage areas that were being used to store counterfeit goods, along with a residence that was being used to manufacture counterfeit handbags and wallets. Several of the subjects are being prosecuted federally, while others face state counterfeiting charges. This operation was a huge success and is a true example of how several law enforcement agencies can come together to destroy an ongoing criminal enterprise. Job well done.