Police seize Nike knockoffs from 2 South Bend stores

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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counterfeit Nike shoes recovered at South Bend stores

Police load boxes of counterfeit Nike shoes into a truck on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. More than 2,000 pairs were recovered at two South Bend stores. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND — Police found more than 2,000 pairs of Nike knockoffs at two South Bend stores on Tuesday. Detectives are calling it one of the biggest counterfeit busts they've ever seen.

Police say this counterfeit shoe operation was so big it got the attention of the Nike Corporation itself.

The owner of one of those stores, 35-year-old Sharif Saleh, is under arrest for receiving stolen property.

Tuesday morning at South Bend's Howard Street Food Mart, the only business was coming from police, and they weren't buying what the owner had to sell.

"We believe it's about 1,960 pairs of Nike counterfeit shoes,” said Sgt. William Redman of the St. Joseph County Police.

Nearly 2,000 Nike knock-offs — enough to fill a small trailer and an entire moving truck.

"We've had a lot of information at multiple different locations here in the South Bend area that they were possibly selling these counterfeit Nikes,” Redman said.

The tips led police and the security company working for Nike to perform several undercover buys.

Last fall, police say Nike warned the stores to stop.

"And apparently they didn't take their warning,” Redman said.

So for two hours Tuesday, officers loaded box after box, and not just on Howard Street. They also served a search warrant at Shoes ‘n’ More on Western Avenue, suspected of having nearly 1,000 counterfeit shoes and shirts, too.

"Everybody comes here,” said one neighbor of the Howard Street Food Mart.

Neighbors were surprised to find their corner store closed, but not necessarily surprised after hearing what happened.

"I've heard something about that,” said neighbor Ieisha Alsamman. “I don't know where he gets them or how he gets them but yeah I've heard that. I mean I see them when I'm in there but I didn't think anything of it.”

"The detectives here that were involved in this search warrant have been active and have been involved in law enforcement for a long time and this, for them, has been one of the biggest busts that they've ever had,” Redman said.

Police say the owner of the Howard Street Food Mart is under arrest for possession of stolen and counterfeit property.

So far, they have only questioned the owner of the store on Western Avenue.

The security company hired by Nike to find these counterfeit operations says Tuesday's bust was one of the biggest they've seen in the three years they've been doing this.

The FBI says buying and selling counterfeit goods costs legitimate American businesses more than $200 billion a year.

Thursday, Jun 5 at 11:35 AM Matt Baker wrote ...

I think they need to be raiding Teeth 'R Us on Licolnway for knockoff platinum grills. I gots me sum from there and they playa hatin.

Thursday, May 8 at 8:02 PM SB wrote ...

Nike is mad because they are loosing millions with these counterfeits. they cant line there pockets with millions while other people are suffering and cant afford nothing,, i think its funny, and u will see more of it. the Americans don't want to pay a 100 bucks for a pair of shoes that china is probably making for Nike for 2 bucks.

Friday, Mar 28 at 9:05 PM Poor man wrote ...

I have three kids and I buy these shose for them. No way i would buy Nike from the Mall, they are three time as high, Why does Nike charge so much. They should cpmpete. These shose as good as nikes shose. Just ask the kids who buy them.

Friday, Mar 28 at 1:41 PM Larry wrote ...

Anon 6:24pm..scroll down and read my first post. The one that is right below yours. And just so you are clear the St. Joseph County Police do not investigate shootings within the city limits. That would be the South Bend Police.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:24 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I don't know about you, but I would rather the police (and since St Joe's PD was quoted, I assume it is them) is spent finding people who are doing all of these shootings. Let get our priorities straight....people over stuff

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:56 AM Larry wrote ...

You are right SB Native. The Police should just tell everyone who wants to file a fraud report that they have better things to do. Why investigate these things when people are getting robbed and shot. Or...if you had even a small fraction of common sense you would realize the Police have detectives who specialize in certain investigations ie..murder, robbery, burglary, and yes theft and fraud. Who would have "thunk" it. The Police get a report, put a detective on the case, and solve the crime.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:03 AM SB native via Indy wrote ...

what up with the all the other venders that sell similar products? why only the two stores and not those guys who stand out on the corner, I mean if the stuff they sell isn't fake then tell me what is?!! SBP can be useing our tax dollars for better use!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:58 AM SS wrote ...

The local police were not involved in this arrest, so please don't use this in an attempt to criticize them. If anything this arrest was helpful to the police because stores like this one buy stolen merchandise from drug addicted shoplifters, who then purchase drugs. We all should be greatful for arrests such as these. The Nike shoes in question are also made in sweat shops with even poorer conditions than the name brands. Why is this arrest a bad thing?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:46 PM Hey Mr Policeman wrote ...

Have you read the headlines....people (and dogs) are getting shot left and right in this town. Where are your priorities?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:26 PM Open your mind wrote ...

american dream wrote, I Do not know what you are talking about.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:14 PM sammyboy wrote ...

These shoes come from China, if they are so illegale then how do they get into our country?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Crime is crime. Don't defend it. Don't try to justify it. Don't put the blame on someone else. Break the law, pay the price. It's NOT complicated.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:32 AM Stewbaby wrote ...

In response to Criminals 5:32pm. What did you mean about "This side of town". Just because we are ignored by the economic money spent by the City doesn't make us more prone to this activity. My girl goes to those purse shows around town and those are held by some rich girl on the southside of town. Why don't you say anything about "Those people"? Maybe the city should look at the westside and put up some new businesses to keep the bootleggers out.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:25 AM american dream wrote ...

OMG are you that blind? Where do you think the money from the drugs and these knock-off items go??? They are sent back to the Drug King pins and the terror groups that supply them. Why don't you write to the Boy's in Iraq and ask them how they feel about the subject. Remember, "Just like one rain drop at a time can make a waterfall, that 60 dollar shoe or purse can supply a war of terror"

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:58 AM lil' hard worker wrote ...

This just means we at the labor camp are gonna have to work twice as hard to make the real things for a lousy 5 cents a day thanks Mr. officers appreciate it.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:03 AM OMG wrote ...

This stuff is sold all around the area....SO what...could they work on drugs and robberies .....or something more than this....this is Nike's problem and the manufactures of these products....not our locals....

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:36 AM american dream wrote ...

What about all the women carrying around those fake coach purses? The people that sell those make thousands upon thousands of dollars. Does that money paid to purchase those items support some terror cell?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:22 AM NILES wrote ...

WHAT ABOUT THE THESE SAME PEOPLE THAT HAVE STORES IN NILES MI THAT SELL WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THING LUCKY 7 AT THE CORNER OF GRANT AND LINCOLN IN NILES SURE SEEM TO HAVE LOTS OF NIKE PRODUCTS FOR BEING A QUCKIE MART AND ARE VERY HIGH PRICED!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:08 AM SS wrote ...

I wonder if Saleh is related to the family in Elkhart County that has been involved in "black market" activity for decades?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:02 AM anonymous wrote ...

That's why I was not able to jump high! It was the fake NIKE's.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:23 AM Please answer? wrote ...

Does anybody know if he's related to Nader Saleh?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:14 AM someone wrote ...

so what about these guys that sell "nikes" on the side of the road by gas stations. Ive seen then im elkhart and goshen before they say their Nikes but i know someone who bought a pair and they riped the same day...its probly the same instance.

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:30 PM Shoe buyer wrote ...

Hey, where am i supposed to get my shoes, popsicles, cigars, and big t-shirts, and Cheetos, and Mambas. I dont know what i'm gonna do. Thanks guys, now my Jordans will cost $130 instead of 40

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 7:34 PM Jermel wrote ...

I used to go there all the time! I got my shoes from there!

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 7:23 PM jason wrote ...

how are we suppose to know if they are fake???

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 6:16 PM cindy wrote ...

they are not the only bootleg stor around dvds cds hats etc.. gas stations grocery stores on every corner so dont just pick on the little man mager chains are also involved i even seen items in walmart off and on but they have enough money to buy anybody off and they dont keep the items in stock wek after week so its harder to bust them!

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 5:32 PM Criminals wrote ...

This is a crime there are criminals - why is it that stuff like this happens on this side of town - do you know your neighbors? Do you support their criminal behavior? If so, you are a criminal

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 5:04 PM Stella wrote ...

Imagine that....what a shame

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