Raid Nets $77 Million in Black Market Goods
Posted on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 @ 05:08 PM
Congratulations to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations for the seizure of more than 327,000 counterfeit items that carried a manufacturer's suggested retail price of nearly $77 Million.
The seizure followed a six week operation called Holiday Hoax II that targeted stores, flea markets and swap meets where counterfeit goods have found a market.
"We've been working very hard to ensure that are customers products don't face the threat of counterfeiting and we're excited to announce even tougher standards later this year that our partner factories must meet," said Ed Ring, COO of Direcsource, a global supply chain expert that offers brands a network of suppliers and factories.
Direcsource works with brands to source, manufacture, ship and fulfill products. "One of the things we're most proud of is that we allow our customers to sleep at night. They know that we work with only the top factories and they know we're on the factory floow watching their products get made - without fear of counterfeiting," said Ring.
The recent Holliday Hoax II raid spanned 66 cities across the United States as well as Seoul, South Korea; and in 55 Mexican cities.
"Counterfeiting remains a significant problem that demands strong enforcement efforts both here and abroad," said ICE Director John Morton. "This year's success during Operation Holiday Hoax was as a result of the close partnership with the governments of Mexico and South Korea, and I'd like to thank them for their continued assistance in this fight. Together, we've dealt a significant blow to counterfeiters worldwide while making a positive impact on American jobs here at home."
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilitates about $2 trillion in legitimate trade annually while enforcing U.S. trade laws that protect the economy, and the health and the safety of the American people," said CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin. "This important work is accomplished through close partnerships with the trade community, other government agencies and foreign governments."
Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 16, ICE HSI special agents and law enforcement officers seized counterfeit products in the United States, including toys, cell phones and chargers, handbags, DVDs, perfume, integrated circuits, wallets, computer software, and sports jerseys. Thirty-three people were arrested and charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods.
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