Los Angeles ( CNN ) -- Customs agents in Los Angeles seized 20,457 pairs of fake Christian Louboutin shoes shipped from China , U.S. officials said Thursday . The counterfeit lacquered `` red sole '' shoes , an icon in women 's fashion , could have brought $ 18 million if they had reached the online and underworld market , according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials . `` CBP maintains an aggressive and proactive posture on intercepting shipments containing counterfeit and pirated items , '' CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles Todd C. Owen said . Five shipments were seized at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport on July 27 and August 14 , the CPB release said . `` Often available on illegitimate websites and underground outlets , counterfeit high fashion commodities multiply the illegal profits of smugglers and traffickers , '' the agency said . `` The public is misguided into believing they are buying an original product at a significant discount . '' Christian Louboutin reveals science behind perfect high heel . Beyonce dons red for first post-baby event .
The Christian Louboutin watches could have brought $ 1 million . Fake ` ` ' sole '' are often sold on illegitimate websites , customs officials say .