Above: The SPD announced an arrest that included the confiscation of alleged counterfeit apple products. (images of photos from press release and SPD patch)
The Southborough Police Department issued a press release this afternoon about an arrest made on Sunday.
Here is the (redacted) statement:
Southborough Police Arrest New York Man Wanted in Fraud Investigation, Seize Suspected Counterfeit Merchandise
SOUTHBOROUGH – The Southborough Police Department arrested a New York man wanted in connection with a fraud investigation while seizing suspected counterfeit Apple and Rolex products on Sunday.
[A 42 year old resident of WHITESTONE, N.Y.], was arrested and charged with:
- Distributing a Counterfeit Mark
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
[The arrested man] also received a citation for a child passenger restraint violation.
At approximately 10 a.m. on July 19, Officer Panajoti Samarxhi was on patrol on Tumpike Road when he learned that a 2026 Ford Explorer traveling in front of him was wanted by the Newton Police Department in connection with a fraud investigation.
Officer Samarxhi stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as [the suspect]. He determined [the suspect’s] license was suspended and took him into custody without incident.
Inside the car, officers observed a child laying across a back seat without a seat belt.
During an on-scene investigation, Officer Samarxhi contacted the Newton Police Department and learned that [the driver] was wanted for allegedly scamming a resident out of $2,500.
During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing, Detective Anthony Vega located a bag containing 11 AirPod Pro boxes, six Apple Watch Ultra 3 boxes, and a Rolex GMT-Master II. The Apple products were sealed and packaged as if they were brand new, but investigators determined most of the products had the same serial number and barcode.
“This arrest demonstrates the value of proactive patrol work and officers taking the time to fully investigate what they encounter,” said Chief Ryan Newell. “Officer Samarxhi recognized a vehicle connected to an outside investigation and worked with the Newton Police Department to develop the full picture. His attentiveness led to an arrest and the recovery of suspected counterfeit merchandise.”
[The suspect] was arraigned on Monday in Westborough District Court.
The incident remains under investigation.These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
