Aventura Technologies Charged With Selling Chinese Surveillance Gear as Made in USA

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn unsealed a criminal complaint on November 7, 2019, against Aventura Technologies Inc. of Commack, New York, and seven current and former employees. They allege that the company sold Chinese-made surveillance and security equipment to government and private customers while claiming it was made in the USA.

The allegations

• Aventura said it manufactured products at its Commack headquarters. Prosecutors said it makes nothing in the USA and has imported products mainly from China since at least 2006.
• The company generated more than $88 million in sales since November 2010, including over $20 million in federal contracts.
• Prosecutors said some of the networked products had known cybersecurity vulnerabilities and were installed at military and other government sites. CNN reported that these included Army, Air Force and Navy installations, Energy Department facilities and aircraft carriers.
• Four defendants were also charged with falsely presenting Frances Cabasso as the company’s owner to win contracts reserved for women-owned businesses. Prosecutors said her husband, Jack Cabasso, actually ran the company.

The charges

Aventura and the seven individuals were charged with unlawful importation and conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. The Cabassos were also charged with money laundering. Authorities seized the couple’s 70-foot yacht and froze about $3 million in 12 accounts. A complaint is an accusation, not a finding of guilt.

The company later pleaded guilty. Made in USA News covered the plea in a March 2024 post.

FAQ

What is Aventura accused of?

Selling Chinese-made surveillance equipment as made in the USA to government and private customers.

How much revenue was involved?

More than $88 million since November 2010, including over $20 million in federal contracts.

Who was charged?

The company and seven current and former employees, including Jack and Frances Cabasso.