Counterfeit Electroincs

From fake headphones to knock-off chargers, bogus iPods and counterfeit extension cords, Los Angeles police officers say counterfeit electronics are flooding the national market with potentially deadly consequences.  These fake electronics can cause great harm to someone, and even their families and homes.  Counterfeit extension cords have been tested to prove that they can melt through the plastic surrounding the copper cords and start fires in homes very rapidly.  Fake headphones have been proven to have pieces break off in the users ear requiring trips to the emergency room.  The bottom line here is counterfeit electronics are extremely dangerous.  It is not worth saving a couple bucks here and there when in turn it could put you or your whole families health and safety on the line. Here is a link to a short clip from ABC7 news on counterfeit electronics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgyo6LZnVC8

If you find someone selling these products please do not hesitate to contact us on our website at www.investigativeconsultants.com.

Kris Buckner, Investigative Consultants

Manufacturer of Counterfeit Designer Handbags Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Trafficking the Bogus Products

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles woman was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison for trafficking in counterfeit handbags and wallets, including accessories bearing counterfeit marks belonging to Chanel, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Prada, and Versace.

Yeon Soon Lee, also known as Susie Lee, 55, who resides in the Koreatown District of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by United States District Judge George H. King.

Lee operated Anna Collection, a wholesale accessory distributor in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles. Lee attached emblems with counterfeit trademarks to generic bags and shipped them to retailers across the United States. After authorities executed a search warrant at Anna Collection in 2009 and seized more than 1,000 handbags and counterfeit emblems, Lee resumed operating her business in 2011. A second search in 2011 resulted in the seizure of additional goods and emblems.

During today’s sentencing hearing, Judge King said Lee had committed a “largescale,” “serious offense.” Lee was a “clear recidivist,” who had shown “repeated disrespect for the law” by continuing to traffic in counterfeit goods after previously being convicted in state court (that conviction has been expunged) and being the subject of two search warrants, the judge said.

“The public has to know that these are not merely victimless crimes,” Judge King emphasized.

The case against Lee is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

CONTACT: Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Cheng
Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section
(213) 894-8644

Release No. 13-037

Even On Melrose

Many  folks  think  that  counterfeit  goods  are  only  sold  in  shady  areas  of  town  or  at  swap  meets  and  flea  markets.  Nothing  could  be  further  from  the  truth.  Counterfeit  goods  have  been  found  in  all  types  of  retail  locations.

According  to  various  media  accounts,  Tiffany  &  Co.  recently  sued  Costco  for  allegedly  selling  counterfeit  goods.  If  you  research  trademark  counterfeiting  through  the  open  source,  you  will  find  countless  examples  of  counterfeit  goods  being  sold  in  all  types  of  venues  that  you  would  never  think  would  sell  counterfeit  goods.

The  LAPD’s  Hollywood  Vice  Unit  recently  learned  this  first  hand  when  they  took  down  an  upscale  boutique  selling  counterfeit  jewelry.  The  boutique  was  located  on  the  world  famous  Melrose  Avenue  in  Hollywood  in  the  same  area  where   many  world  famous  designer  boutiques  are  located.

The  owner  of  the  boutique  was  sent  a  cease  and  desist  notice  from  a  brand  owner  prior  to  the  criminal  action  taking  place,  however  the  owner  chose  to  ignore  it  and  continued  their  trademark  counterfeiting  activities.  This  happens  more  than  you  think.

The  LAPD  took  swift  action  on  the  case  and  the  owner  is  now  facing  criminal  charges.  The  sell  of  counterfeit  goods  robs  legitimate  businesses  of  sales  and  can  easily  tarnish  a  brand’s  reputation. 

You  never  know  where  you  will  find  counterfeit  goods  being  sold.

Jersey Mania

A  major  distributor  of  counterfeit  jerseys  was  arrested  by  law  enforcement  and  has  now  been  convicted  of  trademark  counterfeiting.  The  case  started  when  Investigative  Consultants  received  information  that  the  subject  was  importing  counterfeit  jerseys  from  Korea  and  distributing  the  counterfeit  goods  all  over  California.  The  subject  has  a  long  history  of  counterfeiting  and  had  been  issued  multiple  cease  and  desist  notices  in  the  past.  However,  the  subject  continued  his  illicit  activities  and  ended  up  getting  arrested.  He  is  now  a  convicted  felon  and  on  probation.  Lets  see  how  long  he  lasts  before  he  jumps  back  into  the  counterfeit  game.

Kris Buckner, Investigative Consultants

Take Down of Counterfeit Video Game Manufacturer

The Investigative Consultants team located a subject that was mass producing counterfeit video games and distributing them throughout the Southern California area. Undercover investigators from Investigative Consultants were able to make multiple undercover purchases from the subject and determined that the subject had a massive library of all the current video games, along with past hits.

Investigators identified a store where the subject was operating from and determined he was making the counterfeit goods at the location in a back room. The subject had a massive manufacturing set up at the location and had the capacity to make thousands of counterfeit copies.

The investigation was taken over by law enforcement. After law enforcement agents conducted undercover purchases they were able to determine that the subject was a major manufacturer of counterfeit video games. They obtained a search warrant for the location and arrested the owner.

The owner was charged with felony trademark counterfeiting. He has since been convicted in the case.

Kris Buckner, Investigative Consultants

1.2 Million Dollars Worth of Counterfeit Jewelry Seized

Law enforcement officials dismantled a counterfeit organization operating in the Santee Alley area. Officials seized 1.2 million dollars worth of counterfeit jewelry bearing the trademarks of various world famous brand owners. The organization used a network of warehouses and storage units to store and distribute their counterfeit merchandise. 

The group had been directly importing their counterfeits from China and Korea. The counterfeit jewelry was marked "lead free" but when the jewelry was tested the reports showed they contained high levels of lead. Intellectual property enforcement actions protect both brand owners and the consuming public. Purchasing counterfeits can be very dangerous  when you don't know what's inside them!

Do your part and report counterfeiting at www.investigativeconsultants.com

KrisBuckner, Investigative Consultants