Long Island Woman Faked $40M Worth of Gucci, Chanel Labels in National Scheme: Cops

A 31-year-old Long Island woman has been arrested in an alleged $40 million counterfeit goods scheme, manufacturing fake Gucci, Chanel, Prada and other high-end labels out of the boutique she owns, Nassau County police said Tuesday.

Lindsay Castelli surrendered to Nassau County Asset Forfeiture detectives late last week in the more than year-long scheme, authorities allege. She faces a charge of second-degree trademark counterfeiting in the case.

According to investigators, detectives launched an investigation in April 2021 into Linny’s Boutique, the Old Country Road shop where Castelli is listed as the sole owner. U.S. Postal Service inspectors assisted.

The probe found Castelli’s store allegedly contained thousands of synthetic heat-sealed counterfeit labels with assorted clothing and jewelry. A search warrant executed there a week ago yielded 22 printing press machines and various counterfeit items with labels ranging from Dior to Ugg, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Prada, officials said.

Combined, the items were worth about $40,000,000 — and investigators say they were being shipped all over America.

Castelli was released on a desk appearance ticket and is due back in court next month. Attorney information for her wasn’t immediately available.