1. Rob Holmes is a private investigator who works with luxury watch brands to track down and stop fake products from entering the market.
2. Holmes gives details on how counterfeits are made in factories overseas and trafficked into the United States, as well as how the industry has evolved with “superfakes.”
3. Holmes learned about investigating counterfeits from his father, a renowned investigator in New York in the 1980s, and now continues his legacy through their investigations business, MI:33.
Rob Holmes, a private investigator, partners with luxury-watch brands to prevent the spread of counterfeit products in the market. In an interview with Business Insider, he discusses the process by which fake luxury goods are manufactured in overseas factories, trafficked into the United States, and distributed to consumers. Holmes also highlights the emergence of “superfakes” in the counterfeit industry and offers advice on how to identify fake products.
Holmes’ interest in investigating counterfeits stems from his father, Rob Sr., who was a well-known counterfeit investigator in New York during the 1980s. Inspired by his father’s work, Holmes and his brother now run their own investigations business, MI:33, to continue their father’s legacy. Holmes shares anecdotes of his father’s experiences with Chinatown gangs and reflects on the importance of carrying on his family’s work in combating counterfeit products.
Additionally, Holmes provides insights on how to distinguish genuine luxury watches from counterfeit ones, using a Rolex as an example. By examining the key features of a genuine watch, he educates consumers on how to ensure the authenticity of their luxury purchases. Through his collaborations with luxury brands and his dedication to investigating counterfeit goods, Holmes aims to protect consumers from falling prey to counterfeit products in the market.