Missouri man indicted in Kansas for selling counterfeit goods

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Missouri man was indicted in federal court Friday for selling counterfeit goods at his store in Kansas City, Kan. The indictment resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.

Jehad Shalabi, 44, of Blue Springs, Mo., is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit trademark goods. The indictment alleges that Shalabi sold counterfeit goods – bearing false trademarks from Ralph Lauren, Nike and other well-known names – at his Joe Black clothing store in Kansas City, Kan.

In 2009, federal agents identified Shalabi as the store's manager. Subsequently, he listed the names of his accountant and relatives as owner and manager of the store for tax purposes.

The indictment also alleges Shalabi offered for sale hundreds of counterfeit trademark items including: Polo Ralph Lauren shirts, hoodies and T-shirts; Nike Air Force, Jordan Airmax and Goadomes shoes; Major League Baseball trademarked hats; T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, sweatshirts, hoodies and shorts with tattoo designs by Ed Hardy; Luxirie jeans; Rocawear T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and body suits; and Coogi shirts, dresses, T-shirts, shorts, jeans and jackets.

The government is seeking a monetary judgment of $89,000, which represents the proceeds of the crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and up to $2 million in fines.