Fake jewelry, cash seized at Tucson gem show

TUCSON, AZ - Federal agents seized an estimated $1 million in counterfeit jewelry at a Tucson gem show and arrested two men on Wednesday.

The seized items featured fraudulent trademarks of companies such as Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Hermes, Coach and Gucci, according to a news release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents seized more than 2,500 pieces of jewelry and nearly $35,000 in cash from booths in the Gem Mall pavilions on Country Club Road and in the Holidome on Palo Verde Road.

The vendors were selling the items at the Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers show which is currently being held in Tucson.

The vendors came under suspicion after HSI special agents received a tip that suspected counterfeit jewelry items were being sold at the three booths. Workers reportedly told undercover agents that the items were fake and then sold the items to investigators.

The two suspects were arrested and released on their own recognizance pending indictment in Arizona state court.

Officials said both suspects face charges of fraud, counterfeiting, money laundering and illegal enterprise.