A Turkish national has been arrested in Dayton, Ohio, for allegedly trafficking counterfeit goods at mall kiosks. Emre Teski, 25, reportedly entered the United States illegally from Mexico on September 10, 2022. He admitted to crossing the border without inspection by an immigration officer and was ordered removed from the country on January 3, 2024. However, he appealed this decision and received employment authorization while his appeal is pending.
Teski is accused of operating kiosks at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, where he allegedly sold counterfeit goods. Charging documents indicate that one kiosk primarily offered replica professional soccer jerseys and hats with trademarks of teams like FC Barcelona, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Another kiosk reportedly sold oversized slippers resembling sneakers with Nike and Air Jordan trademarks.
According to allegations, Teski sold an investigator counterfeit Nike slippers featuring the trademarked Nike Swoosh and a fake pink Messi jersey. Federal agents executed a search warrant at the kiosks today, seizing numerous items suspected or confirmed to be counterfeit.
Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal offense carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations Detroit; announced the charges against Teski. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders will represent the U.S. in this case.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains allegations only, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.