Intellectual Property Theft Investigations

Counterfeiting has become the preferred method
of financing for terrorist organizations.”

- Christopher Zimmerman
Customs Expert European Commission
 

COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT INVESTIGATIONS

Counterfeiting is a booming international business. According to the International Chamber of commerce counterfeit products account for an estimated 7 percent of global trade. Additionally, the World Intellectual Property Organization or WIPO estimates counterfeiting and piracy is costing the global economy more than $100 billon a year. Surveys conducted by business organizations put a much higher figure of more that $600 billion on this illicit trade.

Even more disturbing than this economic loss is a recent study conducted by Carratu International PLC, a leading investigator of intellectual property abuse. This study indicates that the innocent purchase of counterfeit products from Internet sites and street vendors are funding terrorist and criminal organizations. The study unearthed direct links between counterfeiting and Al-Qaeda, Hizbollah, The IRA, ETA, the Mafia, Chinese Triad gangs, the Japanese Yakuza crme syndicate, the Russian Mafia and The sale of these fake goods, ranging from “designer” clothes to power tools to pharmaceutical products are directly linked to international terrorism and organized crime.

Research has also shown the dangers of counterfeit products. Research indicates that half the drugs currently obtained on the Internet were of dubious origin. Many were ineffective and some potentially dangerous. A recent study by the Spanish Consumer’s Association had shown that a quarter of “e-pharmacies” sold medicines on the Internet illegally. Many counterfeit medicines were repackaged products that had outlasted their original shelf life.

For over a decade the street crimes unit of the Corporate Crime Control Association has been actively involved within the counterfeit enforcement community. We make it our mission to effectively reduce the effect and influence of counterfeit merchandise in the Pacific NW. This is achieved through our experienced investigators within our street crimes unit that identifies street level sellers, component suppliers, manufacturers, importers, storage areas and distribution networks. Over the past decade the Corporate Crime Control Association has successfully seized nearly a million dollars worth of counterfeit merchandise off the streets of Portland and cities throughout the N.W.

The CCCA street crimes unit not only focus on keeping counterfeit merchandise off the streets, but also assisting state and federal agencies in dismantling the criminal organizations behind this activity. To achieve this we work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to include; the F.B.I., U.S. Marshalls and ICE.

The Corporate Crime Control Association’s street crimes unit has provided investigative services for Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Burberry, Chanel, NYPD, NYFD, Rolex, Coach and dozens of other top name brand designers.

The Corporate Crime Control Association’s street crimes unit offers remedies to the negative effects of intellectual property theft though investigation. This illegal trade undermines economic development. It results in lost earnings, lost jobs and lost tax revenues. Seeking the immediate assistance of our specialized investigative team is essential to prevent continual damage and financial loss.

Call or email us today to learn how our highly trained, experienced and dedicated street crimes unit can assist you.

***Photos on this page depict our agents seizing thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit goods