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A Cuban couple was arrested in Miami, accused of operating a clandestine business from their home in Miami Gardens where they stored and sold over 500 counterfeit items of the Louis Vuitton brand, with a real value of more than half a million dollars had they been authentic.
Yuri Rafael Velázquez García, 33 years old, and Mayrelis Márquez Plans, 32, appeared in court last Wednesday.
Just 24 hours earlier, they were arrested in a police operation that described the illegal business as a "clandestine luxury store," operating behind closed doors on Northwest 185th Street.
An investigation initiated on social media
According to reports, the investigation began in July of this year when an investigator detected a post on Instagram showcasing a residence set up to look like a Louis Vuitton store.
Bags, shoes, and clothing items were displayed as merchandise available for sale.
The detectives identified Yuri Rafael, the homeowner, in the video and linked the social media account to his partner, Mayrelis.
The publications also offered nationwide shipping.
A specialist from the Louis Vuitton brand reviewed the published material and confirmed that all the items were counterfeit.
Undercover purchases and police operation
After weeks of surveillance, undercover agents conducted several controlled purchases at the house.
In one of them, a detective paid $180 in cash for a bag and a shirt whose actual retail value exceeded $8,500.
In another transaction, he acquired a belt, a cap, a swimsuit, and another shirt with an estimated original price of over $3,400, for just $250.
During Tuesday's operation, the Police executed a search warrant at the residence and discovered over 500 counterfeit items, including bags, clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The couple was arrested and taken to the county jail. A bail of $5,000 was set for each of them.
Velázquez García and Márquez Plans are facing charges of counterfeiting private labels, a crime that could lead to severe penalties due to the scale of the operation and the estimated value of the seized merchandise.
Connections with celebrities
The case has also taken on an unexpected media angle: photos of Cuban celebrities who posed in the clandestine store before the scandal broke are circulating on social media.
Among them are reggaeton artists Dany Ome and José Ángel "El White," a former member of Cubanito 2002, who appear in images alongside Velázquez himself.
The snapshots, shared on the Instagram account of the store (yuri fashion house) and on the personal profile of the accused, have sparked controversy by revealing the close ties of several artists to a business that, according to the Police, was merely a front for the mass sale of counterfeit goods.
What's coming
The judicial process is just beginning, but the authorities assure that they have solid evidence: prolonged surveillance, documented undercover purchases, and expert analysis from Louis Vuitton specialists.
Meanwhile, the couple was released on bail Wednesday night without making any statements to the press, although the investigation remains open and it is possible that more charges could be added against them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sale of Counterfeit Merchandise in Miami
What is the recent case of luxury product counterfeiting in Miami?
A couple in Miami has been accused of selling over $500,000 in counterfeit Louis Vuitton products. They operated from their home in Miami Gardens, using social media to market the items. A police operation managed to seize over 500 counterfeit items.
How did the police uncover the counterfeiting operation in Miami Gardens?
The investigation began when an agent detected posts on Instagram showcasing a residence as a Louis Vuitton store. Undercover agents conducted controlled purchases to confirm the counterfeiting, which led to a police operation that seized over 500 counterfeit items.
What charges does the couple accused of forgery in Miami face?
The couple faces charges for counterfeiting private labels, which could lead to severe penalties due to the scale of the operation and the value of the seized goods.
Are there implications for other people in the case of the clandestine store in Miami?
The case has taken on a media angle by involving Cuban celebrities who posed in the store prior to the scandal. The images on social media show the closeness of some artists to the counterfeit business, which has sparked controversy.
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