Counterfeit Condoms? That's Not All, Feds Say

In raids conducted Thursday in the metropolitan New York area, federal agents arrested at least eight people on charges of running a counterfeit products ring. Authorities allege those arrested had been involved in smuggling and distributing massive quantities of fake products manufactured in China, including Major League Baseball and National Football League apparel, Apple iPods, Barbie dolls, Marvel comics, Louis Vuitton bags, and Trojan condoms.

Court documents indicate that the bogus Trojan condoms had been sold for three years -- chiefly in small discount stores in New York as well as in Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere.

Church and Dwight manufactures Trojan condoms in the United States. A spokesperson declined to say whether the Chinese condoms might fail to prevent STDs and pregnancy. However, a source close to the investigation said that while the fakes are of inferior quality, testing of samples has found them no riskier to use than the actual Trojans.

"[The counterfeiters] spent all their money on printing," said another source, who noted that the counterfeit condoms were packaged in plastic, while authentic Trojans are wrapped in aluminum foil.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out one raid at the Queens building used by ZX Trading Co. An attorney for two of ZX's owners, Lin Hu and her brother Jian Hu, said they are innocent. If found guilty, those arrested could face 10 years in prison.

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