Authorities seized counterfeit clothing, shoes, sunglasses and other items from a store in Chester, Delaware County Thursday following a year-long investigation that involved agents from Homeland Security.
Muhammad Bobbitt-Salaam, 29, and Abdel Salaam, 48, both of Chester, were arrested around 9 a.m. at the People's Choice and Discount Clothing store at 531 Avenue of the States.
It's there that authorities say the men were selling counterfeit shoes, clothes, sunglasses and purses bearing the names of designers like Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Nike and Gucci.
More than $150,000 in fake merchandise was confiscated by police.
The arrests come after a year-long investigation by Homeland Security agents who enlisted the help of private investigators that went undercover to make purchases at the store, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.
"Both legitimate businesses and consumers are cheated when low-qualitty fake goods unfairly compete against actual brands of known quality in the marketplace,” said District Attorney Jack Whelan.
The men were arraigned shortly after their arrests and charged with trademark counterfeiting and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, according to the DA's office. Bail for both men was set at 10-percent of $10,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29.
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2 Busted for Selling Counterfeit Goods: Police
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