Two Arrested in South Alabama with $50,000 in Counterfeit Apple Products, Officials Say
![Two Arrested in South Alabama with $50,000 in Counterfeit Apple Products, Officials Say](https://thechronicle.cc/uploads/images/202407/image_750x_669824f7e1949.jpg)
Authorities in Baldwin County have arrested two individuals believed to be part of a counterfeit operation involving $50,000 worth of fraudulent Apple products.
During a traffic stop, Baldwin County Sheriff's deputies seized approximately 180 counterfeit electronic products, according to a news release.
Vincent Tang of Malaysia, who was driving a California-plated Toyota, was arrested for his alleged involvement in a multi-state counterfeiting scheme. Tang reportedly obtained legitimate Apple products from Target, engraved the serial numbers onto counterfeit items, and returned the fake products for refunds.
Another individual, Chalvin Tan, was contacted at the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Command in Robertsdale. Tan was detained for questioning upon arrival, and a subsequent search revealed he was in possession of additional counterfeit items.
A search warrant was then obtained and executed at a motel in Bay Minette, leading to the seizure of more electronic devices, including multiple cell phones, laptops, bank cards, and a laser engraver, according to authorities.
Tang and Tan were booked into jail on charges of trafficking stolen identities, theft of trade secrets, and possession of a forgery device. Federal charges are pending further investigation, as stated by the Sheriff’s Office.