Fake brand import seizures hit record high in Japan

Seizures of fake goods hit a record high in Japan in the first half of the year as more consumers go online to shop for their favorite brands.

Officials at the Finance Ministry say cases surged more than 12 percent from a year earlier to over 19,000. That's the largest ever for the period since data became available in 1993.

Counterfeit stickers topped the list with more than 4,200 cases, growing 27-fold from the same period last year.

Officials say 3-D stickers are in high demand from young and old generations alike, and fake products are riding the wave.

Imitation clothing turned up in more than 4,100 interceptions, with counterfeit wallets and handbags among the contraband as well.