Ex-Convict Arrested for Selling Fake Rolex Watches to Undercover LAPD Officer

Ex-Convict Arrested for Selling Fake Rolex Watches to Undercover LAPD Officer
A photograph of the seized watches. (Courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department)
City News Service
1/12/2024
Updated:
1/16/2024
0:00

A 34-year-old ex-convict who allegedly was carrying a “ghost gun” and suspected of selling counterfeit Rolex watches to an undercover police officer was taken into custody Jan. 12 in San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Winnetka.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, Illicit Pharmaceutical and Counterfeit Unit arrested Albert Bantug at 11.a.m. near the 20000 block of Vanowen Street, east of Winnetka Avenue, police said.

When officers searched Mr. Bantung, they found a loaded semi-automatic handgun without any serial numbers or traceable information in his front waistband, police said.

The recovered watches were examined at the scene by Rolex representatives and they were found to be counterfeit, in violation of the recorded and registered trademarks, police said.

Mr. Bantug was booked at the Van Nuys Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm and trademark infringement.

A photograph of the handgun recovered by the police. (Courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department)
A photograph of the handgun recovered by the police. (Courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department)