By Mike Hazlip—
A clothing store at Sunrise Mall was reportedly searched by federal agents on Tuesday, witnesses say.
Authorities were seen carrying boxes out of Masterboy Streetstyle, according to one witness. Sunrise Marketplace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said federal agents conducted the operation, but had no information on what authorities were looking for.
A media representative with the Sacramento FBI field office told The Sentinel in a phone call Wednesday the agency did not conduct the operation, but said other agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have stepped up enforcement against counterfeit retailers in recent months.
An email inquiry to the media division for ICE was directed to another media spokesperson who was unable to be reached by press time.
A source with knowledge of the store’s operations said the store was selling brand name counterfeit products, but details were unable to be confirmed by multiple agencies contacted by The Sentinel.
Masterboy Streetstyle opened in January this year, according to a previous report by The Sentinel. Business owner Payman Rahmani told The Sentinel at the time he relocated the business from Stockton Boulevard.
The Sentinel initially reported the business advertised high-end brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Moncler, and others. Rahmani, later contacted The Sentinel and said he does not offer those brands at his business.
Masterboy Streetstyle was open for business Wednesday, and a family member referred all media questions to the business owner.
