Apple’s Counterfeit Operation Seizes Over 100 Fake Products in Major Crackdown

A New Jersey electronics store owner has been charged with selling over 100 counterfeit Apple products, following a significant crackdown by authorities. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has reported that the confiscated items included fake iPhones, counterfeit AirPods, and various imitation charging cables and adapters, all designed to resemble authentic Apple packaging. The 63-year-old owner from Woodland Park was arrested on June 5 under the Intellectual Property Enforcement Program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. The charges against him include third-degree counterfeiting, which is classified as a felony in New Jersey, carrying a potential prison sentence of three to five years.

However, first-time offenders may be eligible for probation instead of incarceration, barring any aggravating circumstances. Specific details about the store and the precise types of devices seized have yet to be made public. Counterfeit electronics not only violate branding laws but also pose significant safety risks. Apple has warned that unauthorized chargers and cables can lead to electrical failures, overheating, or even permanent damage to devices.

They advise consumers to purchase accessories labeled “Made for iPhone/iPad” only through authorized retailers. Although no recalls have occurred in this instance, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has flagged counterfeit electronics for their potential fire hazards. The Essex County enforcement program benefits from federal support through the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, emphasizing a coordinated effort to tackle intellectual property crimes. Investigators conducted undercover purchases and documented trademark violations as part of their investigation.

While the retail value of the seized products remains undisclosed, authorities continue to explore supply chains to determine whether the accused acted independently or had upstream suppliers. Consumers are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, as counterfeit Apple products still enter the market. Apple maintains a list of authorized resellers and warns against purchasing suspiciously cheap accessories. If consumers suspect they have bought counterfeit items, they should report the incident to local law enforcement or file a complaint with the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.