The United States Attorney’s Office has initiated a civil complaint to seize over 9,000 boys’ suits imported from China. These garments were intercepted at the Port of New York/Newark and are alleged to contain unsafe levels of lead in their buttons. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
According to the civil forfeiture complaint, the Department of Homeland Security, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized the suits in March 2020. Tests conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that the buttons contained prohibited levels of lead. This incident marks at least the third time that Angels New York US, Inc., attempted to import children's clothing with unsafe lead levels.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged the efforts of members from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark under Port Director Jeffrey Greene's leadership, as well as contributions from members of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Laserna from the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering and Recovery Unit.
It should be noted that all accusations within the complaint are currently only allegations.