Counterfeit bust nets thousands of fake bags in 3 boroughs

WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Federal authorities on Thursday raided several Brooklyn warehouses allegedly used in the creation and distribution of counterfeit products.

The reportedly seized fake handbags and other merchandise from a location at Varick Avenue and Randolph Street in Williamsburg, as well along Troutman and Ingraham streets and at several other facilities, netting tens of thousands of items.

At least two people were arrested, but more are expected to be announced later.

Authorities executed multiple search warrants, including one at a store along West 30th Street in Manhattan that was presumably selling some of the fake bags.

Warrants were also executed in Queens.

Sources tell Eyewitness News that hundreds of boxes will be taken out of those locations, full of counterfeit bags perhaps worth millions of dollars on the street. Many came from overseas, or workers in the factories stitched fake labels on them to make them look like they were brand names.

Several agencies were involved in the raids, including Homeland Security Investigations and the NYPD.

Officials have said the bust will help get countless counterfeit items off the streets just weeks before the holiday shopping season.