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.
fyi
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.
LOL.
ping
Obviously they can find American citizens to sell antiques and jewelry, Americans won't stoop to that level.
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.
My hubby and I have that same rule for California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts...
Illegal aliens at an antique store? These must be the gay ones. Coming soon: illegal alien wedding planners, decorators and Congressmen.
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.
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. . .
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
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
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