Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) special agents, along with Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) investigators, have dismantled a cigar counterfeiting ring that allegedly produced several brands of high-end Cuban cigars. Agents in FDLE’s Miami Regional Operations Center yesterday arrested five South Florida residents on various charges of Forgery and Counterfeiting, Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, and Vending Goods with Counterfeit Trademarks. Those arrested include:
 

1. Raul Delgado Garcia, 49, of Hialeah; one count of Forgery and Counterfeiting, one count of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, one count of Vending Goods with Counterfeit Trademarks, and one count of tax evasion
2. Juan Carlos Mustelier, 35, of Miami Gardens; six counts of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels
3. Abel Ramirez, 57, of Hialeah Gardens; Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels
4. Luis Enrique Quintero, 32, of Miami; four counts of Forgery and Counterfeiting, one count of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels, and one count of tax evasion
5. Gilberto Carreno, 44, of Miami; 10 counts of Forging or Counterfeiting Private Labels

The organization is suspected of mass-producing counterfeit Cuban cigar brands of COHIBA, Montecristo and Romeo & Julieta, along with other cigar brands. According to investigators, the organization would take less expensive cigars and re-label them with more expensive cigar branding. The group also is accused of illegally manufacturing cigar rings, labels, boxes and other cigar-related materials. The group is suspected of misrepresenting the products and distributing the counterfeit products in South Florida and in other parts of the country. A box of legitimately produced COHIBA cigars sold outside of Cuba can be purchased for approximately $500.

On Thursday, FDLE special agents and DOR investigators served search warrants at three locations in Hialeah that were suspected of being involved in the production of the counterfeit cigars. The locations were 3460 W. 84th St., Bay 103; 3438 W. 84th St., Bay 104; and 1764 W. 42nd Place.

The investigation into the counterfeit ring began in August 2009 when state agents received information that an organized scheme to produce and distribute counterfeit cigar products was occurring in the Hialeah area.

Investigators believe that the group producing the items is not registered as a Florida corporation, as required by law. The individuals arrested were booked into the Miami-Dade Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001