Category Archives: Uncategorized

CBP Blocks Massive Shipment of Fraudulent Tech Goods

April 22, 2026 By in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Federal agents at the Peace Bridge border crossing have successfully removed nearly 1,000 knock-off electronic devices from the supply chain. The seizure, which concluded on March 30, involved a variety of tech hardware that would have netted $150,000 on the retail market if the items were genuine.

The operation began in late February when CBP officers flagged a commercial truck for a secondary search. Inside, they found a mixed haul of streaming hardware, smartwatches, and mobile phones. Suspecting the items were low-quality clones of major brands, officers detained the shipment for a formal review. By the end of March, trade specialists from the CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise confirmed the products were inauthentic, leading to a total forfeiture of the cargo.

The Buffalo bust is a snapshot of a much larger federal crackdown on intellectual property theft. Statistics from fiscal year 2025 reveal the scale of the problem:

  • 78 Million+: Total counterfeit items seized nationwide.
  • $7.3 Billion: The estimated market value of those goods if they were real.

If you have had your goods seized by Customs, contact seizure attorney David Hsu by phone or text to 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Customs enforcement and police officers reviewing seized electronics including smartphones and headphones

Photo Credit: WordPress AI generated image of seized counterfeit goods.

CBP Seizes over $1 million in counterfeit perfumes.

April 22, 2026 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Authorities at Port Everglades recently halted a shipment from Singapore containing over 8,500 bottles of counterfeit luxury perfumes. The haul included fraudulent versions of brands like Gucci, Armani, and Lancome, which were headed for a Miami destination. If these products had been authentic, their retail value would have exceeded $1 million.

The seizure was the result of a coordinated effort between local officers and the CBP’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch. Acting Port Director John Rico emphasized that these operations are vital for more than just economic reasons; counterfeit cosmetics often contain substandard ingredients that pose genuine health and safety risks to the public. Furthermore, the trade of these illicit goods often funds criminal organizations and may involve forced labor.

This bust follows a massive year for enforcement; in fiscal year 2025, the CBP seized over 78 million counterfeit items valued at more than $7.3 billion.

If you have had your goods seized by Customs, contact David Hsu by call or text at 832-896-6288 or by email to attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Table covered with numerous counterfeit perfume bottles and boxes labeled as police evidence
AI generated image of seized counterfeit perfumes, not a CBP image.

Is North Korean Labor used in your supply chains? Beware of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

December 31, 2022 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
curious isolated young woman looking away through metal bars of fence with hope at entrance of modern building
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com


Is North Korean Labor used in your supply chains? The answer should be no, and if you are not sure, then you need to be aware of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

In early December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorized the detention of merchandise from multiple China-based companies – Jingde Trading Ltd., Rixin Foods. Ltd., and Zhejiang Sunrise Garment Group Co. Ltd. at all U.S. ports.

This enforcement action is the result of a CBP investigation indicating that these companies use North Korean labor in their supply chains in violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The CAATSA prohibits any goods that are produced, or manufactured in whole or in part by North Korean nationals or North Korean citizens anywhere in the world – unless the importer or manufacturer can provide clear and convincing evidence the goods were not made by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor.

To enforce the CAATSA – CBP can detain any merchandise suspected of violating CAATSA at all ports of entry into the US.

If you have received notice of a CAATSA violation – please note, you have 30 days to provide clear and convincing evidence forced labor was not used. If you have received a notice – contact David Hsu immediately by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com; DH@GJATradeLaw.com.

Any delay may result in seizure and or forfeiture of your goods. Also, if you are aware of any company or manufacturer importing goods made in violation of CAATSA, please also contact David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com; DH@GJATradeLaw.com. All communications are confidential and subject to attorney/client privilege.

Customs and Border Protection seizes $33,000 in currency from airport passenger.

December 31, 2022 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Image of seized currency, source: CBP.gov

According to a mid-November U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release – a passenger headed from Dulles Airport to Egypt had over $33,000 in currency seized by CBP.

Prior to boarding the flight to Egypt, CBP officers asked the traveler the amount of currency in his possession while requiring the traveler to complete a U.S. Treasury Department form for reporting currency. At the time of questioning, the traveler told CBP and completed the form confirming he had $20,000. However, during a subsequent investigation of the passenger’s baggage, CBP officers discovered a total of $33,868. Officers seized the currency and released the traveler.

Not mentioned in the report is the traveler likely missed his flight as the baggage inspection process takes several hours and CBP will always stop passengers as the plane is boarding. Also not mentioned is whether the traveler received a small sum of money in return known as “humanitarian relief”. As it was not mentioned, I don’t believe CBP returned a portion of the seized funds to the traveler.

If you or someone you know has had their currency seized, contact customs seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.om; dh@gjatradelaw.com.


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$30+ Billion in Trade Stuck at US Ports in mid-July.

August 7, 2022 By in Uncategorized Leave a comment
intermodal container stacked on port
Photo by Samuel Wölfl on Pexels.com

According to multiple sources, over $30+ billion dollars in trade are stuck at the port or stuck at sea due to port congestion in the United States. MarineTraffic estimates there are over 460,000 twenty-foot container equivalent units (TEU’s) on vessels waiting off the East Coast and 180,000 TEU’s off the West Coast. MDS Transmodal estimates the total value of the value of trade stuck on the water is over $30+ billion.

In addition to vessels stuck on the water, the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach highlight congestion on land – with 33,484 rail containers waiting nine days or longer at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach combined.

Do you have an import, export, trade or compliance related problems, contact David Hsu by phone/text anytime at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

CBP seizes $46,000 in currency from outbound travelers.

May 30, 2022 By in FinCen, fines and penalties, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
Image of seized currency, source: CBP.gov

According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, officers at Dulles airport seived more than $45,000 during two separate currency seizures from individuals leaving the country. The first traveler was a U.S. citizen traveling to Ghana. This traveler initially reported $14,000, but closer inspection revealed over $20,404. In this instance, CBP returned $404 in “humanitarian relief” and released the traveler. The other seizure occurred when a dog alerted officials to a couple traveling to Egypt. The couple reported $15,000, but a subsequent search discovered over $26,403 – $1,043 of that which was returned to the couple as “humanitarian relief”.

Humanitarian relief is an amount CBP can return to the travelers, but is not required to do. The amount can vary and depends on the circumstances – such as the amount seized and the number of travelers.

If you or anyone you know has had their currency seized by Customs, contact David Hsu anytime by phone/text/email at: 832-896-6288, attorney.dave@yahoo.com. Don’t wait as time may run out on your ability to file a claim.

New Indo-Pacific Economic Framework?

May 30, 2022 By in Australia, international trade, Japan, Korea, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
green palm tree near sea
Photo by Jess Loiterton on Pexels.com

Last week, the United States launched the creation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), an effort by the current administration to improve U.S. ties with the region which the White House said aims to strengthen U.S. ties in the Asia-Pacific region. The IPEF effort is to also limit China’s influence in the region as China has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The initial IPEF members include: Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. While Taiwan is absent from the initial 12 member list, the U.S. claims they will work on a separate bilateral agreement with Taiwan on trade and economic affairs.

According to the press release, the goals and purpose of the IPEF include:

  • digital economy and e-commerce, including cross-border data flows, data localization, online privacy, and discriminatory and unethical use of artificial intelligence
  • labor and environment issues and corporate accountability
  • supply chain resiliency, including establishing an early warning system, eliminating bottlenecks in critical mineral supply chains, improving traceability in key sectors, and coordinating on diversification efforts
  • accelerated implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
  • facilitating agricultural trade through science-based decision-making and sound, transparent regulatory practices
  • clean energy, decarbonization, energy efficiency standards, infrastructure, and methane emissions
  • enforcement of effective tax, anti-money laundering, and anti-bribery regimes that include provisions on the exchange of tax information, criminalization of bribery in accordance with UN standards, and effective implementation of beneficial ownership recommendations

The participants will meet later in June to work out the details that will ultimately need Congressional vote and approval. More information about the IPEF will be posted as they become available.

If you have any trade, customs, import, export or compliance questions – please contact David Hsu by phone/text/email, anytime at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

CBP seizes $46,000 in cash from airport traveler.

October 2, 2021 By in Attorney, FinCen, Homeland Security Investigations, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport seized $46,628 in unreported currency from a U.S. citizen traveling to Cameroon on September 27, 2021.
Image of seized currency, source: CBP.gov

According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP officers at Dulles airport seized about $46,628 in unreported currency from a man traveling to Cameroon. The random inspection occurred on outbound passengers on a flight to Brussels. CBP officers asked the individual how much money he was carrying – the traveler told Customs he had $30,000 and completed and signed a U.S. Treasury Department form (FINCEN 105).

Upon further inspection, CBP officers found a total of $46,628.00 and seized the entire amount. As you are aware, there is no limit how much cash you are bringing into or out of the US, the only requirement is for travelers to report currency $10,000 or greater.

According to the media release, the traveler “was not criminally charged”. This means CBP did not involve Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). If CBP brings involves HSI, then they believe your currency is related to criminal activity and you may need criminal counsel in addition to customs counsel.

If you have had your hard earned money seized by Customs, contact David Hsu by phone/text at anytime at 832-896-6288, or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport seized $46,628 in unreported currency from a U.S. citizen traveling to Cameroon on September 27, 2021.
CBP seized $46,628 in unreported
currency from Cameroon-bound man. Source: CBP.gov

Over $300,000 in unreported currency seized in P.R

April 25, 2021 By in Attorney, FinCen, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Image of seized funds in PR, source: CBP.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers in Puerto Rico seized $348,940 in undeclared currency hidden inside wooden tables and a sink found inside a 1989 Ford cargo truck. The shipment was destined to an address in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

In general, there is no limit to how much currency (cash, checks, traveler’s checks, foreign currency) can be importer or exported by travelers. However, any amount over $10,000, however federal law requires travelers to report to CBP any amount exceeding $10,000 in US dollars or the equivalent in foreign currency. When the funds over $10,000 are not reported or are under-reported, CBP may seize the currency and may lead to an arrest.

If you have any questions about what to do BEFORE you travel and are carrying over $10,000, give David Hsu a call, or text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

$47,000 in currency seized by Customs.

February 19, 2021 By in Attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Image of seized currency, source: CBP.gov

According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, CBP officers in Dulles International Airport asked a female traveler heading to the Netherlands how much currency she was carrying. The Netherlands-bound traveler reported she was carrying $10,000 and also produced a completed FINCEN-105 form.

CBP officers asked her if she had additional and she responded she did not. However, upon a subsequent inspection, officers found a total of more than $47,000. Officers returned her $1,740 for humanitarian purposes and she continued on her trip.

Pro Tips for travelers:

  1. If Customs ask if you are carrying over $10,000 in currency, it is because they already know you are carrying more than $10,000 in currency.
  2. Be honest with Customs, you can carry more than $10,000, you just have to report it.
  3. Don’t sign the FINCEN 105 form before you count the amount of currency you have. Count first, then sign.
  4. If you get your currency seized, you have about 30 days, if you will be overseas – be sure someone will be able to access your physical mail to receive the “Notice of Seizure”

If you have had your hard-earned currency seized, contact customs seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text for immediate help: 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on Twitter at @DFOBaltimore and on Instagram at @dfobaltimore for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.