Police Say Thousands Of Fake Smartphones Seized In Brooklyn Raid Were 'Dangerous'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police said thousands of fake smartphones seized in a Brooklyn raid were not only illegal, but could also be a danger to potential customers.
Thousands of dollars in cash and cell phones was taken from 2112 Coney Island Avenue Thursday by the NYPD, U.S. Customs and Homeland Security.
Authorities said a nine-month investigation into trafficking of counterfeit cell phones led them to the location.
Inside the "Phone Traders" storefront and a nearby vehicle, they discovered $59,000 in cash and $9,000 worth of counterfeit Samsung and Apple phones and accessories, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported.
Hours later, investigators moved from Sheepshead Bay to Bensonhurst to find a similar scene.
"Approximately 2,200 counterfeit cellular telephones of Apple and Samsung brands were seized. An additional $12,000 in cash seized at this location and at this time, our investigation is continuing," said NYPD Assistant Chief Brian McCarthy.
In all, investigators seized more than 11,000 counterfeit smartphones along with $71,000 in cash.
Detectives said the bust resulted from close monitoring at airports by Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and criminal enterprise investigators.
"From the task force we formed at JFK Airport, we were able to detect what was coming into the country that was suspicious," said McCarthy.
In recent months, Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 were recalled because of the risk that its batteries can explode or catch fire, concerning experts in the investigation for the safety of the counterfeit customers.
"These products are dangerous. These products are not what the manufacturer produced in a safe matter," said McCarthy. "They have safety concerns for people who would buy them unsuspectingly and basically from a monetary perspective, I would say significant loss to these industries concerned."
Three men were arrested in the investigation, but their names have not been released. Charges against them are pending.
