Houston-area man charged with trafficking in brand-name merchandise
Faces up to 10 years in prison, a $2 million fine and $3 million forfeiture, if convicted
HOUSTON — A Houston-area man was arrested Thursday for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.
This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Houston Police Department.
The indictment of Han Woon Liew, 45, from Sugar Land, Texas, returned under seal April 16, was unsealed May 1 upon his arrest. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson May 2.
The one-count indictment alleges that from January 2012, and continuing through April 16, 2014, Liew intentionally trafficked in goods, specifically counterfeit brand-name purses and wallets including Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Coach and Gucci. Liew knowingly used counterfeit marks, which were registered trademarks, in an attempt to make the items appear legitimate, according to the allegations.
The maximum penalty, upon conviction, for conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2 million. The indictment also includes an order of forfeiture of $3 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Celia Moyer and Special AUSA Mark Evans, Southern District of Texas, are prosecuting this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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