Customs confirms raids, 91 warrants. (Customs Service's investigation on illegal Chinese imports)

Customs confirms raids, 91 warrants

Is the U.S. trying to prosecute importers of Chinese textiles and apparel? Is this a trade issue, or just politics?

While it comes as no surprise to most apparel importers, the U.S. Customs Service has made it official: a widespread criminal investigation aimed at uncovering illegal Chinese imports is underway.

The investigation surfaced with a splash in December when Customs agents raided 63 importers accross the nation, seizing corporate records concerning imports of Chinese textiles and manufactured wearing apparel.

At the time Customs was tight-lipped, confirming only that an "action" had taken place in New York City, part of an ongoing criminal investigation. But it was clear to importers that the raids were aimed at Chinese imports and that the targets were not limited to New York City and its environs.

Indeed, while Customs still refuses to reveal details or specific aims of the investigation, it has confirmed that on Dec. 4-6, agents from Customs and the Internal Revenue Service served 91 warrants on importers and financial institutions in New York City; Northern New Jersey; Harrisburg, Pa.; Boston; Cincinnati; Miami; Houston; Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Milwaukee.

Melvyn Minsky, the regional counsel for Customs in …