A California Franchise Owner Accused of Selling Counterfeit LEGO Sets in $2 Million Bricks and Minifigs Scandal
Los Angeles, CA – A franchise owner of a popular LEGO resale chain has been formally charged with fraud, authorities confirmed today, in what investigators are calling the "bricks and minifigs scandal." The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Mark Harrison, allegedly sold over 4,000 counterfeit LEGO sets and rare minifigures from his "Bricks & Minifigs" location in Sherman Oaks over a 14-month period.
The scheme reportedly involved sourcing knockoff products from overseas suppliers, repackaging them in authentic-looking boxes, and selling them at a premium. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, Harrison defrauded collectors and parents out of an estimated $2.1 million. Victims discovered the fraud when the counterfeit bricks failed to connect properly with genuine LEGO parts, leading to widespread complaints and a forensic audit by LEGO Group. Harrison has been released on $500,000 bail and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. The franchise has since terminated his license, and authorities are urging affected customers to contact the fraud division.