DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and R. Sean Fitzgerald, acting special agent in charge for HSI Chicago (Homeland Security Investigations), announced today that a woman indicted by a DuPage County Grand Jury for allegedly fencing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit high-end purses, wallets, handbags and other commodities has entered a plea of not guilty to four counts of Felony Possession of Counterfeit Items With Intent to Sell. The most serious charge is a Class 1, non-probationable, Felony. Angelina Luy, 40, of the block of 700 Leslie Lane Glendale Heights, appeared at an arraignment hearing Monday morning, November 22, 2021, where she formally entered her plea in front of Judge Daniel Guerin. On November 1, 2021, Luy was arrested and charged following the execution of a seach warrant by federal and local authorities. Angelina Luy appeared in Bond Court the following day where bond was set at $40,000 with 10% to apply. On November 9, 2021, following a proof of funds hearing at which Luy had to show that any money used for bond was not illegally obtained, Luy posted $4,000, the necessary 10%, and was released from custody. On November 11, 2021, a DuPage County Grand Jury indicted Luy.
On Sunday, October 24, 2021, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at O’Hare International Airport took possession of two inbound parcels from Cambodia, allegedly addressed to Luy at her residence in Glendale Heights. The declared value of the parcels was $374. CBP officers searched the parcels and allegedly found various belts, handbags, purses, wallets, and apparel bearing trademarks registered to Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, and Versace. The goods were determined to be counterfeit and had an approximate retail value of $140,176. On Monday, November 1, 2021, United States Homeland Security Investigations obtained an anticipatory search warrant for the two parcels from Cambodia allegedly addressed to the defendant. The search warrant, which authorized a search of any person taking control of the parcels as well as their vehicle or premises where the parcels were located, was executed at approximately 6:30 p.m., after the parcels were allegedly brought inside Luy’s residence. Following execution of the search warrant, authorities allegedly found hundreds of counterfeit items bearing trademarks registered to Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Piaget and Versace as well as more than $96,000 in cash. Luy was taken into custody Monday evening, November 1, 2021. Allegedly, Ms. Luy has been receiving and selling counterfeit merchandise since January 2021, and that the retail value of the merchandise is more than $500,000.
“According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, in 2020, there were more than 26,500 seizures of counterfeit goods with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price totaling approximately $1.3 billion. That $1.3 billion translates to lost profits for United States companies, the loss of United States jobs and ultimately higher prices to the consumer for inferior products. I commend the United States Customs and Border Protection and the United States Homeland Security Investigations as well as the Glendale Heights Police Department for their collaborative efforts that allowed us to put an end to Ms. Luy’s alleged scheme. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Steven Lupa and Ken Tatarelis for their efforts on this case as well.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Individuals who make and sell counterfeit goods prioritize their own greed over health and safety concerns or regulations. HSI works daily to protect our community from these individuals by partnering with our local and federal partners to not only keep these dangerous counterfeit products out of the hands of unsuspecting consumers, but to also hold accountable those who attempt to profit from the illegal trafficking of these hazardous goods.”
— R. Sean Fitzgerald, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Chicago
Luy’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 12, 2022, for status.
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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