A collection of counterfeit NBA championship rings was seized recently by federal authorities at Los Angeles International Airport, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol announced Wednesday.
The 28 rings were in a wooden box shipped from China, intended to make it to Arizona, according to CBP officials, though it's not clear what prompted an investigation of the box.
It was estimated the rings would have been worth $560,000 if they were authentic, and investigators suspect the knockoff rings were intended to be sold as a collection.
“Scammers take advantage of collectors and pro basketball fans desiring to obtain a piece of sports history,” Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, said in a statement. “This seizure illustrates how CBP officers and import specialists protect not only trademarks, but most importantly, the American consumer.”
The rings violated protected trademarks for several NBA teams, including the Lakers, Celtics, Warriors and Spurs.
No arrests were immediately announced.
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