ICE conducts enforcement ahead of Cyber Monday
WASHINGTON –
Several thousand copyright-infringing websites and third-party marketplace
listings selling counterfeit pharmaceuticals, automotive parts and other fake
items to unsuspecting consumers have been criminally and administratively seized
and removed in an effort that combines the resources of global law-enforcement
agencies and industry.
There were
roughly 15,000 illegal websites seized and 48,000 erroneous ecommerce links
removed over the past year as part of Operation In Our Sites VII, an effort
conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Europol, Interpol
and members of industry to crackdown on individuals using the Internet to
peddle bogus goods and other copyright-protected material that threaten the
health and safety of shoppers. The initiative was coordinated and supported by
the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR
Center).
The global
enforcement action highlighted the effective collaboration between law-enforcement
authorities from 27 countries, anti-counterfeiting associations and industry
representatives, who made substantial contributions to the success of this
operation. Dozens of brand owners and industry organizations representing
name-brand footwear and apparel, cosmetics and personal care products, active
wear and sporting and entertainment associations participated in this effort,
and were solely responsible for targeting listings on popular ecommerce sites
selling imitation items.
“The
tremendous collaborative efforts between law enforcement and industry prove the
Internet is not a safe haven for counterfeiters preying on consumers,” said IPR
Center Director Bruce Foucart. “Our investigators are committed to bringing
online pirates to justice by seizing websites, working with global police
authorities and strengthening relationships with industry partners.
It was a
successful year for online intellectual property enforcement, as ICE’s Homeland
Security Investigations announced they had arrested and charged the owner and
operator of Kickass Torrents (KAT), a popular website that enabled users to
download and distribute copyright-protected content, with criminal copyright
infringement and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The estimated value of
pirated content reproduced and distributed on KAT was over $1 billion, and
operators of the website turned their criminal enterprise into a net worth of
$54 million, with annual advertising revenue of between $12-22 million.
Each year,
the market is flooded with counterfeit products being sold at stores, on street
corners and online. The internet has facilitated the sale of counterfeit
merchandise online and criminals have taken advantage of the internet to
deceive, sell and ship fake products directly to unsuspecting consumers. The
most popular counterfeit products seized each year include headphones, sports
jerseys, personal care products, shoes, toys, luxury goods, cell phones and
electronic accessories.
Founded in 2000, the IPR
Center – formally codified in the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act
of 2015 – is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against
criminal counterfeiting and piracy. The center uses the expertise of its 23
member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate
enforcement actions, and conduct investigations related to IP theft. Through
this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health
and safety, the U.S. economy and the war fighters.
# ICE #
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the
largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities
for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information,
visit: www.ICE.gov.
To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.
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