2 women arrested for selling counterfeit designer merchandise

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two upstate women were arrested and charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods. The charge carries a maximum 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to the criminal complaint, Robin Landahl, 55, of Lancaster, N.Y., and Tiffani Weld, 31, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., sold quantities of counterfeit goods from a storefront and kiosk located at the Super Flea and Farmer's Market on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga, N.Y. The unauthorized merchandise contained labels such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Oakley and Dolce & Gabbana.

Landahl and Weld appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were released on their own recognizance.

The ICE HSI-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. The IPR Center uses the expertise of its 19 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions, and conduct investigations related to IP theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy and the war fighters.

To report IP theft or to learn more about the IPR Center, visit www.IPRCenter.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. government.