Worcester brothers busted for trafficking fake luxury watches

• Posted by Worcester News April 5, 2024 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Hartford  #crime  #U.S. Attorney  - 11,732 views

  
  The U.S. Courthouse in Hartford (Google) 

  HARTFORD — Two brothers from Worcester — one of whom worked as a police officer — were among 3 arrested for trafficking fake designer watches worth millions of dollars, according to federal authorities in Connecticut.

  Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, revealed that Denis Nako, 24, and his brother, Klevis Nako, 23, of Worcester, along with Izedin Kimca, 24, of Waterbury, Connecticut, faced charges related to the operation of an elaborate scheme selling counterfeit watches imported from China. The arrests followed a detailed investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations, the I.R.S. Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

  According to the U.S. Attorney's office, the trio managed various websites and social media accounts, through which they advertised and sold fake luxury watches, including brands like Rolex, Audemars, and Panerai, with the counterfeit items seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection valued at over $19 million in suggested retail price if authentic.

  Investigations revealed that between April 2020 and July 2022, around 74 parcels addressed to Kimca and 22 parcels sent to the Nakos' residence were seized, all containing counterfeit watches. Despite previous warnings from authorities, including an interview with Kimca about the legality of selling counterfeit watches, the illegal activities continued.

  Klevis Nako is notably employed as a police officer with the Framingham State University Police Department, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Each of the accused has been released on a $50,000 bond, facing charges that could lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison.

  It is also alleged that, in January 2023, H.S.I. agents interviewed Kimca about trafficking counterfeit watches and told him that selling counterfeit watches was illegal. Kimca also had received several notices from C.B.P. that watches had been seized and detailing potential violations associated with the importation of the items. Kimca continued to sell counterfeit watches after the interview and after receiving the CBP notices.

  The complaints charge Kimca and the Nako brothers with trafficking in and conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods and services, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Kimca is also charged with engaging in illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.