Make the016.com a preferred choice with Google by clicking here
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.
Make the016.com a preferred choice with Google by clicking here
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (:59). High of 68 today in Worcester
-Will it be a snowy winter in Massachusetts? The 2 almanacs disagree
>TOP OF THE NEWS
-Sex trafficking survivor in Worcester sues hotel chains in Mass. (3:41)
-Parents' pain persists 1 year after Worcester police trainee's death (2:44)
-Earlier: Looking back at the timeline of the Enrique Delgado-Garcia death investigation (3:30). Article
-No verdict reached in day 2 of jury deliberations for 2017 Worcester bridge attack trial
-Related: Timeline of the bridge attack. Summer cookout turns to horror
-Auburn police seek video in search for missing man Darren Cyr
-Earlier: Police continue search for missing Auburn man
-Retirement community in Worcester to raze building, build 200 senior housing units
-Davis Farmland reveals this year's Mega Maze theme
-Aislinn Doyle: September 18th School Committee meeting agenda preview
-Radio Worcester (8:05): Big Brothers Big Sisters Awareness Week in Worcester, Fitchburg & Marlborough
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (25:04): Sewage dispute and police recruit case raise accountability questions
>POLITICS: Sarkodieh confirms run, Montero steps aside in mayor’s race
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (47:38): Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson discusses housing, homelessness and city challenges
>DINING OUT: Worcester Pizzafest returns October 11th
-ICYMI: Man, 40, fatally stabbed in early morning incident in Fitchburg, police say (1:16). Article
-Sturbridge woman with late-stage ovarian cancer takes center stage in debate over N.I.H. cuts
-Human case of West Nile Virus detected in Worcester; pesticide spraying scheduled
-Worcester fraud ringleader used money for luxury goods, home, gets prison time
-Worcester woman charged in Water Street stabbing
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Moderate risk for West Nile virus in Holden
-America's newest game show, filmed at Lamoureux Ford (1:40)
-This week's road closures and traffic delays
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Shrewsbury Fire Department tackles early morning car fire on Route 9
-Man arrested outside Leominster Walmart after police find meth, fake plates on unregistered car
-Grafton Middle School paraprofessional honored for 20 years of service
-Food drive at David Prouty responds to Pat Ricard’s “Caw to Action!”
-Item photos: Views from Turner Hall's Oktoberfest
-Item photos: West Boylston hosts community art show
-Bolton dining comes Out of the Woods
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Thursday
>SHOWTIME: Ash & Eric present "Songwriters at the Hub" season
-How an abandoned music hall is being transformed into a Central Mass. arts center
-Related: Radio Worcester (10:49): Cannery Music Hall reopens in Southbridge with new owners
-Last Call: Hans Rickheit, graphic artist
>OPINION: John Keough: Worcester City Council’s important business of 22 minutes
-Shaun Connolly: The KENO app will be the downfall of man
-Unity Radio's Talking Wellness (46:00): Jose Vargas Zapata
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to a career nurse
>SPORTS: Drake Maye gushes over Aaron Rodgers ahead of Patriots-Steelers
-Patriots rookie Will Campbell off to solid start after 2 weeks
-NFL Week 3 schedule, TV and announcers
-Red Sox beat A's, 5-4
-Holy Cross men's and women's basketball tickets on sale
-WooSox beat Rochester, 3-1
>CARS: In a test of 7 electric vehicles, only 4 received a "good" rating (2:09)
>NATIONAL: 3 cops fatally shot, 2 critically injured while trying to serve warrant (2:46)
-Kirk killing suspect feared being shot by police during surrender, sheriff says
>NEW ENGLAND: Outrage on Cape as teen charged in shooting plot is released (2:04)
-Air traffic control gives Boston-bound pilot stern warning after Air Force 1 close call
-2 couples sue state D.C.F. over gender-identity policy for foster children
>COLLEGES: Search committee named to identify next UMass Medical School head
-Worcester State's Nafisa Tanjeem receives international award for impactful scholarship
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): Luxury cruise ship offers $1.8 million "unlimited stay" package
>BUSINESS: Federal Reserve cuts key rate for first time this year
-How the Federal Reserve's rate cut could impact your personal finances
-LPL Financial Research: The intersection of political uncertainty and global debt markets
>SHOPPING: Here's a closer look at Apple's newly unveiled products (3:47)
>HOMES: A Berkshires haunted inn is on the market now. The price is unbelievably low
>HEALTH: Mass. D.P.H. issues state-specific COVID vaccine recommendations (2:21). Article
-WCCA-TV's Health Matters No. 247 (28:50): Edward Arous, MD, MPH
>FOOD: Popeyes and "Hot Ones" team up on spicy new menu collaboration
>TV/STREAMING: ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s show indefinitely over remarks about Kirk’s death
>MOVIES: Trailer for new Paul Rudd-Jack Black movie, "Anaconda" (2:38)
>CELEBRITY: Colin Farrell admits he's turned on by married co-star Margot Robbie
-Cardi B announces pregnancy with baby No. 4 — her first with Stefon Diggs
>ANIMALS: The Labrador cannot go a day without seeing her best friend (1:34)
>HISTORY: Johnny Appleseed is the apple of Leominster’s eye
>GOOD NEWS: Postage collector in Mass. reunites WWII letters with family (1:30)
-Meanwhile, in Scotland, cheating scandal nearly sinks World Stone Skimming Championships
Latest obituaries | | Wednesday's Highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | Help Wanted | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather