It’s peak tourist season in New York City, and one of the enduring and not-so-secret attractions is Canal Street (and its neighboring streets) for a selection of luxury and non-luxury knockoff goods. That fake Chanel bag or Gucci watch? Canal Street — whether on the street or behind secretive storefronts —is the place to find them.
But that also means that the authorities periodically crack down on these trademark-infringing operations. Back in October 2025, US Homeland Security Officers went into the area and arrested nine men accused of being in the country illegally and selling fake goods. read: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/nyregion/nyc-canal-street-fear-anger.html. And in both August and September 2023, police seized millions of dollars in counterfeit merchandise from the same area. https://www.pursebop.com/boptalk/topic/another-canal-street-bust-nypd-seizes-35m-in-knockoff-designer-goods
Well, it happened again last week on Thursday June 25, 2026. Same area, same type of goods (plus Knick Championship 2026 merch), valued (if real) at $151 million. Police arrested more than a dozen alleged sellers of inauthentic watches, handbags, fragrances, and Labubus. Later, another 17 people were arrested, and $145,000 of cash was confiscated.
No word on whether this raid has reduced the activity in the area, or had impact on goods available. If you’re around Canal Street, let us know what you observe.
- Maura Carlin posted 5 days ago
- last edited 15 hours ago
