Authorities Seize 3,000 Fake Gibson Guitars in Southern California

Los Angeles – Authorities in Southern California have seized an extensive shipment of counterfeit Gibson guitars, totaling 3,000 instruments, after a months-long investigation into a widespread forgery operation. The guitars, all reportedly bearing autographs from former President Donald Trump, were intercepted in a massive raid earlier this week.

The counterfeit guitars were being stored in a warehouse in the city of Santa Fe Springs, roughly 15 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. According to investigators, the street value of the seized instruments is estimated to be around $1,800, despite their dubious authenticity.

"These guitars were made to look like authentic, high-end Gibson models, but upon inspection, they were clearly low-quality knockoffs," said Investigator Mark Davidson of the Southern California Task Force on Intellectual Property Crimes. "Not only were they falsely branded, but the autographs of Donald Trump, which were printed rather than signed by hand, were also part of the deception."

The guitars were marketed as "limited edition" collectibles, with advertisements promising the instruments were signed by Trump himself during his presidency. Some of the instruments even featured fake certificates of authenticity. The operation appeared to target collectors and fans of both the iconic guitar brand and the former president, capitalizing on the allure of a "one-of-a-kind" souvenir.

The seizure of the 3,000 guitars is the result of a comprehensive investigation that began in late 2023, when authorities were tipped off about suspicious activity surrounding the sale of high-priced "signed" guitars online. These instruments were being sold through various online platforms, with prices ranging from $200 to $300 per guitar—far below the cost of a genuine Gibson.

According to federal authorities, the operation was well-organized, with fake guitars manufactured overseas, shipped to the U.S., and distributed through multiple online retailers. The counterfeit guitars were often sold as part of a package deal that included a certificate of authenticity and photographs purportedly showing Trump personally signing the instruments.

"We are deeply concerned about the fraudulent practices being used to exploit consumers," said U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokeswoman Maria Velasquez. "Not only were these guitars fakes, but the signatures were forged, misleading people into thinking they were purchasing valuable collectibles."

The inclusion of Trump's signature on the counterfeit guitars adds an additional layer of intrigue to the case. Since leaving office, Trump memorabilia has been in high demand, with his autograph regularly fetching premium prices at auctions. It’s unclear whether Trump himself was aware that his signature was being used on these counterfeit items.

Trump’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment, though sources close to the former president suggest he had no involvement in the production or distribution of the guitars.

While the guitars themselves may have been of low quality, the fraudulent connection to the Trump name elevated their perceived value among collectors. Experts believe that some buyers may have been drawn to the items under the false impression that they were getting a rare piece of political and pop culture history.

The seizure is part of a larger effort by U.S. authorities to crack down on counterfeit merchandise, a growing problem that affects a wide range of industries, from luxury goods to electronics. In 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted over $1 billion in counterfeit goods.

“This seizure sends a clear message that counterfeit goods will not be tolerated,” said Velasquez. “Whether it’s fake electronics, clothing, or in this case, musical instruments, we will continue to work hard to protect consumers and intellectual property rights.”