Federal authorities have charged three New Mexicans accused of selling Filipino-made jewelry as Native American jewelry.Sixteen search warrants were executed in New Mexico and California Wednesday. As part of the warrants, federal authorities searched two shops in Albuquerque’s Old Town -- Gallery 8 and Galleria Azul -- as well as shops in Santa Fe, Gallup and Zuni.The four-count indictment charges Nael Ali, 51, Mohammad Abed Manasra, 53, and Christina Bowen, 41, with conspiracy to violate the Indian Arts and Crafts Act and three violations of the act.Ali is the owner of the two Old Town jewelry stores that were raided and purport to specialize in the sale of Native American jewelry. Bowen was formerly employed as a store manager by Ali. Manasra holds himself out as a wholesaler of Native American jewelry.If convicted, they face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.This international raid comes after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service teamed up with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board in 2012 to find people violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.“The Indian Arts Craft Act prohibits the sale or display or for sale of any goods in a manner that falsely suggests that it is an Indian product,” said board Chairman Harvey Pratt.He added when someone buys the fake product unknowingly they lose the integrity of the product.“This case demonstrates our willingness to prosecute those who falsely market products as ‘Indian Made’ and thus undermine the livelihoods of Native American artists and craftspeople, many of whom are responsible for carrying precious spiritual and artistic knowledge from one generation to another,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart Delery. Operation El Zuni, as it’s being called, is the largest investigation of its kind since the act was founded in 1935. U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez said these stings are more than just about enforcing the law, they are about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans.He hopes these raids let violators know they aren’t safe.“We’re hoping that this will send a message to those folks who are selling the fake material, the fake jewelry under the false pretenses that they will get the message that this is important and they should watch out," Martinez said.