A New York boutique owner turned herself more than to law enforcement following an 18-thirty day period undercover investigation into her company operations led to a discovery of over $40 million in counterfeit things.
Nassau County police mentioned Tuesday 31-calendar year-aged Lindsay Castelli, of Smithtown, bought bogus designer products to unsuspecting shoppers by way of her website and storefront, Linny’s Boutique.
Castelli turned herself in excess of to Nassau County Asset Forfeiture detectives Friday 3 days just after they executed a search warrant at her business enterprise, which stemmed from an ongoing investigation that began in April 2021.
Police stated 22 printing push devices were removed from her enterprise all through the execution of the look for warrant. Several knock-off items with Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dior, Ugg and Louis Vuitton labels were also identified at the store.
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Linny’s Boutique owner Lindsay Castelli, 31, is charged with next-degree trademark counterfeiting in an elaborate $40 million plan providing knockoff designer merchandise.
(Nassau County Law enforcement Division)
All through a information convention Tuesday, detectives mentioned Castelli would generate “thousands” of synthetic warmth-sealed counterfeit labels then connect them to extremely low-cost outfits objects ahead of noticeably increasing the rate.
“A simple $10 sweatshirt, you put the Chanel model on it, it sells for $5,300,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder mentioned. “They would just take a hat, a $3 hat, a 50-cent merchandise on the aspect. They would heat seal it on to the hat and market the hat for $300.”
Law enforcement stated the things Castelli was providing would be truly worth about $40 million if they have been genuine.
“This was a sophisticated procedure investigating two trend goods corporations, Christian Salvatore New York and Linny’s Boutique,’’ Nassau County District Legal professional Anne Donnelly stated, according to CBS. “This was not a mom-and-pop operation.”
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Nassau County law enforcement done ‘Operation Rainfall,’ an investigation into counterfeit practices at Linny’s Boutique, for 18 months.
(WNYW)
Nassau County police explained the investigation into Castelli’s functions was a joint venture with the U.S. Postal Inspectors.
“Not only did she cheat the retail market, but she also cheated postal clients that must ultimately shoulder the expensive stress,” U.S. Postal Inspector Glen McKechnie reported, according to the New York Put up.
Castelli reportedly shipped “1000’s of pounds” of counterfeit products all over the state to unsuspecting prospects.
The New York Put up noted Castelli’s internet site, prior to shutting down, go through, “In this article at Linnys we handpick just about every item to fit the style needs of all our babes! We stay ahead of the fashion tendencies to make certain you are always wanting your finest!”
The shop’s site and social media pages were all deactivated or not operational as of Tuesday evening.
An investigation into the functions at Linny’s Boutique discovered thousands of counterfeit logos.
(WNYW)
In accordance to CBS, Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman mentioned operations like this will not be tolerated in Nassau County.
“We want people to know just what they’re finding,’’ Blakeman explained. “We want companies close to the planet to know that we safeguard their trademark and company mark right here.”
Castelli is billed with 2nd-diploma trademark counterfeiting and could face up to 3 many years in jail if convicted. She was released on a desk visual appeal ticket ahead of a November 2 courtroom day.
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Police stated Castelli was the sole proprietor of Linny’s Boutique and no a single else was billed in the plan.