Photo: MARTIN LELIEVRE / AFP / Getty Images
A Lake George man, Steven Solimanto, 75, faces charges for allegedly selling counterfeit LABUBU plush toys at the Wilton Mall in Saratoga County. The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office arrested Solimanto on Friday (September 19) following a complaint from the Casual Girl store in the mall.
Solimanto is accused of knowingly selling fake LABUBU toys, valued at over $1,000, with the intent to deceive customers or evade legal restrictions on the sale and distribution of goods. The authorities charged him with second-degree trademark counterfeiting, which is classified as a class E felony.
After his arrest, Solimanto was arraigned in Wilton Town Court and released on an appearance ticket, pending further court proceedings. According to CBS6 Albany, the sheriff's office emphasized the seriousness of trademark counterfeiting and its impact on consumers and legitimate businesses.
As the case progresses, Solimanto is expected to return to court to face the charges against him. The authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine if there are any additional parties involved in the counterfeit operation.