Long Island Man Accused of Selling $2 Million in Fake Nintendo Gear Through Amazon

ISLAND PARK, NY – Authorities allege that Isaac Lapidus, 34, of Lawrence, New York, orchestrated a multi-year counterfeit operation, selling over $2 million worth of fake Nintendo products via Amazon. The illicit goods – ranging from docking stations to Pokémon Go accessories – were housed in a warehouse in Island Park and distributed through several seller accounts. He now faces serious federal charges, potential prison time, and an ongoing investigation.

For years, this defendant allegedly hawked hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Nintendo accessories for popular consoles and games through several Amazon seller accounts he controlled and kept the phony merchandise in an Island Park warehouse for distribution to unsuspecting buyers. Despite consumer complaints about imitation products in their reviews, sales totaled into the millions of dollars,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. “Counterfeit products are not just bad for business, they can also be dangerous for consumers, especially when electronics are involved. It may be hard to spot a fake online, but consumers should always look out for poor reviews, try to shop directly from brands or manufacturers – not third-party sellers – and always double-check the seller and shipping source when shopping ecommerce. Simple steps can protect your wallet and your safety.”

Duration & Scale

• The scheme reportedly ran from October 2018 through early September 2025.
• Prosecutors claim he sold:
  • Over 200,000 counterfeit Nintendo Switch docking stations
  • Around 10,000 Switch dock adapters
  • Approximately 15,700 Pokémon Go Plus accessories
  • Total sales exceeded $2 million.

Distribution Channels

• Lapidus is said to have controlled five Amazon seller accounts—PandaVida Inc., Unibabe, ABC of product, This Too Shall Pass, and Zuzu Cares 4 U (the last later renamed ArminStore). All were tied to the Island Park warehouse via shipping addresses, Amazon account ties, phone numbers, and bank information.

Investigation & Evidence

• Reports came to light after Amazon flagged an unusually high volume of returns and customer complaints. They flagged suspicious activity, referred it to Nintendo, which confirmed the products were counterfeit; the case was then handed over to local authorities.
• Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the warehouse address – 4217 Austin Boulevard in Island Park – on September 2, 2025. Investigators seized numerous boxes containing counterfeit items (Nintendo docks, adapters, “Cool Baby HD” video games, Pokémon Go accessories) that were verified as inauthentic by Amazon experts.
• Nintendo’s inspection revealed telltale inconsistencies in serial numbers, product codes, design details, and Japanese characters, confirming they were fake.

Legal Proceedings

• Lapidus was arrested and arraigned before Judge Lisa Locurto on September 4, 2025.
• He faces Trademark Counterfeiting in the First Degree (Class C felony) and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (E felony), with penalties potentially reaching up to 15 years in prison.
• He pleaded not guilty and was granted supervised pre-trial release. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
• The case is being prosecuted by ADA Justin Santabarbara from the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, under the oversight of Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly. Lapidus is represented by attorney Michael Sosnick.

Broader Impact & Community Concerns

• Neighbors had noted unusually heavy truck activity at the warehouse, especially during holiday seasons, which had become a neighborhood disruption.
• District Attorney Donnelly highlighted that counterfeit electronics can pose serious risks to consumers – particularly children due to the potential for fire hazards.
• Amazon reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards counterfeit products. Since 2023, the company has collaborated with Nintendo and law enforcement to swiftly remove fraudulent listings and block implicated seller accounts.

Summary Table