New York Post reporter Michael Kaplan recently published an article looking into the underground world of counterfeit designer goods in New York City. 

Kaplan, who appeared on “Mornings On 1” Thursday, said he was able to delve into the lengthy journey these knock-off items take, from factory lines to bustling shopping districts. 

He said one of the most interesting details his investigation revealed was that certain factories are producing both legal and illegal goods. 

“These factories will make legitimate bags by day and illegitimate bags by night, and that’s where they’re produced,” he said. “It will start by maybe, somebody will put in an order, they know what might be popular, and a pattern maker there will either dissect an existing bag or just work from a photo and come up with a pattern for it. And the factory will make it just like they make legitimate handbags.”

Kaplan also said many of the counterfeit goods are able to make it through customs due to the fact that law enforcement officials are more concerned with searching for illicit substances and firearms in shipping containers from overseas.