An Ottawa woman is facing 15 charges in connection to a smuggling operation that allegedly resulted in the sale of more than $800,000 in Tiffany knock-offs and designer handbags.
Customs officials say the woman and her husband were at the centre of a two-year investigation, after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a shipment from China with more than 100 pieces of jewellery that had not been declared. Officials seized the jewellery, but did not lay charges at the time. After determining other shipments had entered Canada, the CBSA launched an investigation.
Meanwhile, Ottawa police contacted customs officials after receiving complaints about the quality and legitimacy of jewellery purchased through parties at private residences, mall kiosks, the Internet, and other businesses. A search of the woman’s home in February 2009 resulted in the seizure of nearly 3000 pieces of counterfeit Tiffany jewellery and a number of designer handbags.
Police estimate more than 1500 victims may have purchased the knock-offs through the suspect’s network of sales associates.
Debbie Craddock, 41, of Ottawa is charged with seven criminal charges, three copyright offences, and five customs act charges related to smuggling, distribution, and the sale of counterfeit jewellery, along with designer handbags. Her husband, Sean Craddock, 42, also faces two criminal charges.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is asked to call the CBSA Border Watch at (888) 502-9060.
