A Cuban couple has been taken into custody in Miami, accused of running an underground operation from their Miami Gardens residence where they allegedly stored and sold over 500 counterfeit Louis Vuitton items. The real worth of these items would exceed half a million dollars if they were genuine. Yuri Rafael Velázquez García, 33, and Mayrelis Márquez Plans, 32, appeared before a court last Wednesday.
Their arrest came just a day after a police raid that described the illegal operation as a "clandestine luxury store," operating discreetly on Northwest 185th Street.
Investigation Sparked by Social Media
Reports indicate that the investigation kicked off in July this year when an investigator stumbled upon an Instagram post showcasing a home set up to mimic a Louis Vuitton store. The video featured bags, shoes, and clothing, all advertised as available for purchase. Detectives identified Yuri Rafael as the homeowner and linked the social media account to his partner, Mayrelis. The posts also offered nationwide shipping.
A Louis Vuitton brand expert reviewed the published content and confirmed that all items were counterfeit.
Undercover Purchases and Police Raid
After weeks of surveillance, undercover agents carried out several controlled purchases at the residence. In one instance, a detective paid $180 in cash for a purse and a shirt that would retail for over $8,500. In another transaction, the agent bought a belt, a cap, a swimsuit, and another shirt, originally valued at more than $3,400, for just $250.
During the Tuesday raid, police executed a search warrant and discovered over 500 fake items, including bags, clothes, shoes, and accessories. The couple was arrested and taken to the county jail, each facing a $5,000 bond.
Velázquez García and Márquez Plans are charged with counterfeiting private labels, a crime that could result in severe penalties given the scale of the operation and the estimated value of the seized goods.
Connections with Celebrities
The case has also garnered unexpected media attention: photos of famous Cuban figures posing in the clandestine store surfaced on social media before the scandal broke. Among them are reggaeton artists Dany Ome and José Ángel "El White," a former member of Cubanito 2002, who appear in pictures alongside Velázquez.
The images, shared on the store's Instagram account (yuri fashion house) and the accused's personal profile, have stirred controversy by highlighting several artists' proximity to what authorities describe as a front for large-scale counterfeit sales.
What Lies Ahead
The legal proceedings have just begun, but authorities claim to possess strong evidence: extensive surveillance, documented undercover purchases, and evaluations by Louis Vuitton specialists. Meanwhile, the couple was released on bail Wednesday night without making any statements to the press, although the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Counterfeiting Case
What charges are the couple facing?
Yuri Rafael Velázquez García and Mayrelis Márquez Plans are facing charges of counterfeiting private labels, which could lead to severe penalties due to the operation's scale and the estimated value of the counterfeit items.
How did the investigation begin?
The investigation started in July when an investigator discovered an Instagram post showing a home set up like a Louis Vuitton store, which led to further scrutiny and undercover operations.
What was found during the police raid?
During the police raid, authorities found over 500 counterfeit items, including bags, clothing, shoes, and accessories, at the couple's residence.