Electronics shop owner busted after selling hundreds of counterfeit Apple products

A New Jersey shop owner is facing criminal charges after authorities seized hundreds of fake iPhones, AirPods Max and more, in a sweeping takedown.

AirPods Pro, though not counterfeit

Authorities in Essex County have charged a New Jersey electronics store owner with selling more than 100 counterfeit Apple products. Seized items often include imitation iPhones, AirPods, charging cables, or adapters that mimic Apple's retail packaging.

The arrest, according to NJ.com, was made under Essex County's Intellectual Property Enforcement Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors said the 63-year-old man from Woodland Park was arrested on June 5.

He was charged with third-degree counterfeiting after investigators linked his store in the City of Orange to the sale of knockoff Apple goods. The defendant hasn't yet entered a plea, and the investigation remains ongoing.

What the charges mean and how Apple is affected

In New Jersey, third-degree counterfeiting is a felony that carries a sentence of three to five years in prison. However, state law presumes probation rather than incarceration for first-time offenders.

That means the defendant may avoid prison time unless aggravating circumstances are found.

The operation reportedly uncovered more than 100 fake Apple products. Officials haven't yet released the name of the store or listed the specific devices. The imagery is pretty clear about some of it, though.

An assortment of the counterfeit Apple products that law enforcement seized. Image credit: NJ.com

Counterfeit tech poses safety risks that go beyond branding violations. Apple's official support site warns that uncertified third-party chargers and cables may cause electrical failures, overheating, or permanent device damage.

The company urges customers to buy accessories labeled "Made for iPhone/iPad" (MFi) and only from authorized retailers.

Though no recalls were issued here, the CPSC has flagged counterfeit electronics for fire risks. Apple has previously worked with law enforcement in similar cases.

Federal support helps drive local enforcement

Essex County's enforcement program receives federal backing through the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance. It's part of a national initiative to fund local prosecution of intellectual property crimes.

Federal agencies handle large-scale seizures at ports and customs checkpoints, while local task forces address street-level distribution. Prosecutors said the arrest resulted from a coordinated investigation involving undercover purchases and documentation of Apple's trademarked products.

Authorities haven't disclosed the estimated retail value of the seized products and haven't ruled out additional charges. Investigators are continuing to review supply chains, and it remains unclear whether the defendant acted independently or had suppliers upstream.

What consumers should know

Counterfeit Apple products are still circulating in physical stores and online marketplaces. Apple maintains a searchable list of authorized resellers and warns against purchasing accessories that seem unusually cheap or lack proper packaging.

Customers who believe they may have purchased a counterfeit Apple product are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement. Another option is to file a complaint through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.



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