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An outstanding businesswoman and owner of luxury boutiques in Palm Beach, Floridawas arrested on charges of selling counterfeit goods from prestigious brands such as Chanel, Tiffany, Rolex, among others. The news shook the exclusive Florida community, where the woman, identified as Olena Austinwas not only known for her businesses, but also for rubbing shoulders with prominent figures, including the former president of the United States, Donald Trump.
Austin, 51, ran two high-end boutiques under the name Blesk Jewelry., located at the prestigious addresses of Worth Avenue and S County Road. These stores were a popular destination for wealthy residents and tourists seeking luxury items. This was what led women to position themselves in a high social status and begin to have contact with prominent personalities. In this context, it was that He even participated in renowned events with figures like Trump.
However, an undercover investigation by the US Organized Crime, Vice and Narcotics Unit Palm Beach police revealed a counterfeit merchandise operation valued at more than two million dollars. It all started in 2023, when the authorities received FBI information which suggested that counterfeit products were being sold at Blesk Jewelry.
The detectives They carried out several undercover operations and discovered imitations of items from luxury brands such as Chanel, Pucci and Van Cleef & Arpels. According to Palm Beach Police Captain Will Rothrock, in conversation with WPTVthe goods They were sold as authenticthus deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
“We have to go through the authentication process with all the marks to fully confirm the values of the apocryphal items,” Rothrock explained. This process could lead to additional charges against Austin, as The magnitude of the fraud is still being determined.
Olena Austin was arrested on June 7 at one of her stores and later released on $50,000 bail.. Police also seized approximately $4,294 in cash, allegedly from the sale of the counterfeit goods. Austin, who resides in Hypoluxo, Floridahas not yet appointed a lawyer for his defense.
The impact of the counterfeit operation goes beyond deceived buyers. The thing is Reduced prices of fake items hurt legitimate merchants in the area, as they affected their ability to compete and maintain their businesses. “When they sell these items at such a low value, they are taking away the opportunity for legitimate purchases for small businesses,” Rothrock said.
Furthermore, many of the customers who purchased these apocryphal products may never know that the items they purchased are actually fake. “Innocent tourists may be purchasing something they believe to be an item of some value. and not discover until years later, unexpectedly, that it was counterfeit and not worth what they thought,” concluded the Palm Beach police captain.
THE NATION
