Counterfeit Clothing Suspects Plead Guilty
Four members of an international ring that imported counterfeit handbags, clothing and other items pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court Monday to charges of bribery, smuggling and counterfeiting.
Los Angeles residents Duseon Jason Kim, Seok Bak Chang and Hae Kyung Kwon, and Gardena resident Chong Ki Park admitted to participating in a scheme to import about $2 million in counterfeit and unlicensed products from Korea, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Marc Harris.
Kim and Chang pleaded guilty to bribery and smuggling charges; Kwon pleaded guilty to bribery and counterfeiting charges, and Park pleaded guilty to bribery, smuggling and counterfeiting charges, Harris said. Two others, Christina Han and Hui Jong Park, already had pleaded guilty to related charges, the prosecutor said. The remaining defendant, Sun Hyung Lee of Glendale, pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial Feb. 11.
The defendants imported goods bearing phony Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Bourke, Guess and Starter labels, Harris said.
After the defendants were caught by a U.S. customs inspector, they tried to pay a $95,700 bribe to have other shipments of merchandise released, the prosecutor said.
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