Smuggle, Sell and Scheme: Two Women Arrested in Massive Counterfeit Handbag Operation

In a major crackdown on counterfeit goods, authorities in the North Bay Area of San Francisco have arrested two women and seized hundreds of counterfeit luxury handbags. The women had plotted an elaborate scheme to smuggle these goods into the United States in order to sell them locally.

The operation, conducted by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, led to the warrants at two locations on Friday – the 500 block of Santa Alicia Drive in Rohnert Park and the 100 block of Hahn Way in Cotati. During the operation, law enforcement officers discovered a total of 270 trademarked pieces of merchandise, all of which were illegally produced and included renowned luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and MGM. Authorities estimate that the seized goods, had they been real, would have had a market value of $1 million.

Image courtesy: Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety

The suspects, identified as 41-year-old Sabrina Darakhshan from Cotati, and 35-year-old Melanie Strong from Rohnert Park were taken into custody without incident. Since their arrest, they have been booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility, facing felony charges of counterfeit goods, trademark infringement, and criminal conspiracy.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety emphasized the global impact of counterfeit products, stating that they cost the global economy more than $500 billion annually. He stated that:

“It is important for consumers to realize counterfeit merchandise has poor craftsmanship and does not comply with safety standards, which can be harmful and pose a health risk.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the department’s COPS team.