Pedro Hernández Calderón, who played goalkeeper for Atlas, Santos Laguna, and Necaxa, was arrested in the United States and faces charges for allegedly participating in an international network dedicated to trafficking counterfeit luxury watches, whose market value is said to have reached $5.4 million.
The 45-year-old former Mexican soccer player remains in custody as criminal proceedings against him continue, according to information released by U.S. authorities on Tuesday, November 10.
The investigation suggests that Hernández Calderón used an import-export company to receive counterfeit merchandise in Laredo, Texas, and subsequently transport it to Mexico for sale.
The shipments identified by investigators are said to span the period from June 2025 to October 2026. The estimated value of the watches would be around $5.4 million, assuming the pieces were authentic.
An Investigation That Began in Alaska
The case gained momentum after authorities seized four counterfeit luxury watches on October 5 in Anchorage, Alaska.
The shipment was bound for a warehouse in Laredo, Texas, prompting authorities to coordinate an investigation to identify those responsible for the operation.
During the investigation, photographs, communications, and shipping records were found that made it possible to reconstruct part of the merchandise’s movement. In addition, high-end watch manufacturers confirmed that the seized items were counterfeits.
According to the complaint, the import-export company linked to the former goalkeeper allegedly served as a receiving and distribution point for the products destined for Mexican buyers.
How long could he spend in prison?
The legal proceedings could have significant consequences for the former Mexican soccer player. U.S. authorities noted that, if found guilty, Hernández Calderón could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
In addition, he could face a fine of up to two million dollars.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with support from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) and the U.S. Postal Service.
The case once again brings international trafficking in counterfeit watches into the spotlight—a business that has resulted in significant seizures on U.S. soil.
