New York, August 29, 2026 – 43-year-old Si Man Lam from Brooklyn, New York, was arrested by federal law enforcement this Wednesday for her alleged involvement in trafficking counterfeit luxury watches imported from China. During a search of her residence, approximately $900,000 in cash was discovered hidden under her bed. The court deemed her a flight risk and ordered her to remain in custody, with a detention hearing scheduled for September 1.
According to the federal court documents in Connecticut, Lam is accused of collaborating with former Massachusetts police officer Klevis Nako and others to traffic counterfeit Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Panerai watches imported from China. The prosecution charges her with trafficking and conspiring to traffic counterfeit goods, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The investigation into the case began several years ago. Between 2020 and 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 74 packages destined for addresses associated with the defendants, containing counterfeit brand watches with a total retail value exceeding $16 million. Seven packages sent to Lam’s address in New York contained approximately 378 counterfeit Rolex, Cartier, and other branded watches, with an estimated retail value of around $6.4 million.
Authorities also allege that the defendants used Instagram, Facebook, and other online accounts to promote and sell counterfeit watches. Undercover investigators conducted multiple transactions, purchasing counterfeit Rolex watches for $100 to $300 each. From January 2021 to April 2024, over $800,000 in sales income was transferred from Nako and others’ bank accounts to Lam’s account. Bank records further showed that Lam paid over $2.7 million to a shipping company between December 2020 and October 2025.
After conducting digital forensic analysis on Lam’s phone, law enforcement discovered communication between her and other defendants related to watch transactions and fund transfers. The phone contained images of suspected counterfeit brand watches, as well as messages and pictures of luxury goods transactions involving handbags, shoes, clothing, and jewelry. Some messages indicated that Lam had arranged meetings with customers in the vicinity of Chinatown in New York City for transactions.
Lam returned to the United States from Hong Kong on April 5, 2024, and was questioned by customs enforcement officers at JFK International Airport. At that time, she claimed to work in family health protection and acknowledged the presence of individuals selling counterfeit goods in New York but denied knowledge of their source. However, prosecutors allege that she continued to collaborate with others in selling and transporting counterfeit watches even after being interviewed, up until May 2026.
Lam was arrested in New York this Wednesday and transferred to Connecticut for court proceedings. The court noted that she has no job or assets in Connecticut or New York but possessed nearly $900,000 in cash at her residence. Despite claiming her two children live in New York, she could not identify their father, casting doubt on the credibility of her testimony. The court deemed her to lack local ties and to pose a flight risk, ordering her continued detention until the bail hearing on September 1.
Former officer Klevis Nako, who allegedly collaborated with Lam, was arrested on April 3, 2024, and admitted to conspiracy to traffic counterfeit goods four months later. He was sentenced to two months in prison and the forfeiture of over $270,000 in criminal proceeds in January last year. The remaining two defendants have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Representatives for Lam’s defense attorney were contacted for comment by a journalist from the publication, but no response was received at the time of publication.