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San Francisco antique businesses busted by federal agents (allegedly hired dozens of illegals)
ap on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 1/5/06 | ap - San FRancisco

Posted on 01/05/2006 11:13:49 PM PST by NormsRevenge

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A string of antique stores were busted Thursday for allegedly hiring dozens of illegal immigrants, selling fake pieces and engaging in the black market ivory trade, federal authorities said.

During searches of 11 locations, agents arrested 29 foreign nationals from Israel, Mexico, China and South America on immigration violations, said Virginia Kice, spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The investigation involved more than 150 agents from ICE, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which was looking into whether the businesses illegally imported and sold ivory and ivory products. Agents also were investigating allegations of money laundering and mail and wire fraud.

No other arrests or charges have been filed in the case, and authorities have not officially named anyone under investigation.

The searches were carried out at Regal Collection, Lloyd's Fine Art and Jewelry, Gallery De Bellagio, Windsor House, Buckingham Palace, Gioia Fine Art, King's Fine Arts and Antiques and its showroom - all located in the city's tourist centers of Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Two warehouses, a business office and a home also were searched.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs; Government; US: California
KEYWORDS: aliens; antique; businesses; busted; california; federalagents; fishermanswharf; illegals; immigrantlist; sanfrancisco; unionsquare

1 posted on 01/05/2006 11:13:50 PM PST by NormsRevenge
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To: Travis McGee

fyi


2 posted on 01/05/2006 11:14:09 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ... Monthly Donor spoken Here. Go to ... https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: NormsRevenge

Anyone who would buy anything of any value within a mile of Fisherman's Wharf is very likely being taken. The Illegals goes without saying.


3 posted on 01/05/2006 11:18:07 PM PST by TCats
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To: TCats

LOL.


4 posted on 01/05/2006 11:18:39 PM PST by spetznaz (Nuclear-tipped Ballistic Missiles: The Ultimate Phallic Symbol)
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To: 1_Inch_Group; 2sheep; 2Trievers; 3AngelaD; 4Freedom; 4ourprogeny; 7.62 x 51mm; A CA Guy; ...

ping


5 posted on 01/05/2006 11:22:54 PM PST by gubamyster
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To: TCats
Anyone who spends money in San Francisco is funding the lunatics and leftists that thrive there...

I have threatened elimination from my will for any family member who intentionally spends money in San Fransicko...

We MUST make the obligatory sightseeing trips there for out of town visitors -- but we pack our own snacks and drinks to curb our appetite until we leave the city....

Semper Fi
6 posted on 01/06/2006 12:14:17 AM PST by river rat (You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: NormsRevenge

Obviously they can find American citizens to sell antiques and jewelry, Americans won't stoop to that level.


7 posted on 01/06/2006 1:30:34 AM PST by GeronL (http://flogerloon.blogspot.com)
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To: river rat

Hey RiverRat,

I'm not a family member, but as a fellow Freeper, I personally boycott SF myself and refuse to go visit or spend money at almost any cost. If any of your family members happen to break your rule, can i have their share of the fortune? :) /Sarc.


8 posted on 01/06/2006 1:57:39 AM PST by 1FASTGLOCK45 (FreeRepublic: More fun than watching Dem'Rats drown like Turkeys in the rain! ! !)
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To: river rat

My hubby and I have that same rule for California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts...


9 posted on 01/06/2006 4:33:50 AM PST by gieriscm
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To: NormsRevenge

Illegal aliens at an antique store? These must be the gay ones. Coming soon: illegal alien wedding planners, decorators and Congressmen.


10 posted on 01/06/2006 4:57:28 AM PST by BlazingArizona
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To: NormsRevenge

Could they be going after the ones who somehow do not add to their private coffers or what. . .the Antique Dealers vs. . .surely their are bigger. . .tastier fish out there.


11 posted on 01/06/2006 5:46:15 AM PST by cricket (No Freedom - No Peace)
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To: GeronL
Obviously they can find American citizens to sell antiques and jewelry, Americans won't stoop to that level.

For sure these illegals are NOT on the sales side of the business. Try. . . moving furniture around the shop or warehouse. . .packing. . .those who can re-finish or learn. . .hauling. . .freighting/trucking. . .cleaning. ..polishing etc. ..

Whatever. . .but not in the front office or sales room. . .

12 posted on 01/06/2006 5:51:08 AM PST by cricket (No Freedom - No Peace)
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To: 1FASTGLOCK45
Sure!.......................< /sarcasm>

But be advised, the wife and I are satisfied that both our children appear to have "succeeded" and are unneedful of our estate ---- so we are attempting to spend every dime before we die.

Semper Fi

13 posted on 01/06/2006 9:53:58 AM PST by river rat (You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: gubamyster

Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!

Support our Minutemen Patriots!

Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!


14 posted on 01/06/2006 11:49:55 AM PST by blackie (Be Well~Be Armed~Be Safe~Molon Labe!)
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