ICE IPR News Items
ICE hosts intellectual property theft symposium at National IPR Center
At a special symposium in Virginia, government, academia, industry and law enforcement officials discussed the emerging threat of intellectual property theft and its connection to organized crime and terrorism.
TOP STORY: ICE HSI-led teams combat intellectual property theft
The Tampa Intellectual Property Theft Enforcement Team met with industry representatives last month to discuss the emerging threat of intellectual property theft and its connection to criminal enterprises.
IPR Center marks World IP Day by seizing $263 million in counterfeit goods
ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton announces the results of Operation Spring Cleaning, national enforcement action in 33 locations around the country, that led to $263 million in seized goods.
Houston business owner convicted of trafficking counterfeit prescription drugs
A Houston business owner was found guilty by a jury Friday on four counts of conspiring to traffic in counterfeit drugs and introducing counterfeit and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
Wash. man who sold pirated movies, Korean broadcasts online pleads guilty
Sang Jin Kim pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of criminal copyright infringement following an intellectual property rights probe by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
IPR Center supports World Intellectual Property Day
The ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center commemorates World IP Day April 26, which highlights a triple threat to public health and safety and the global economy.
Philadelphia woman pleads guilty to importing illegal diet pills
ICE HSI agents uncovered that diet pills, illegally imported from China, contained a controlled substance, unapproved drugs and a possible carcinogen.
Baltimore man pleads guilty to infringing the copyrights of more than 1,000 commercial software programs worth more than $4 million
Naveed Sheikh, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to and infringing copyrights by illegally reproducing and distributing more than 1,000 copyrighted commercial software programs, with a total value of more than $4 million.
Puerto Rican man sentenced to 2 years in prison for distributing counterfeit, Chinese-made pharmaceuticals across US
Francis Ortiz Gonzalez was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for being a key member of an organization that distributed large quantities of Chinese-made, counterfeit pharmaceuticals across the United States.
2 women arrested for selling counterfeit designer merchandise
Two upstate women were arrested and charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods. The charge carries a maximum 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Father and son plead guilty to selling counterfeit software worth $1 million
Robert D. Cook, 56, and his son, Todd A. Cook, 23, both of Wichita Falls, Texas, pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement.
ICE meets with industry leaders in battle against counterfeit and pirated products
Representatives from ICE and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center met with industry leaders in Hong Kong March 5 to discuss the fight against counterfeit and pirated products.
2 arrested in ICE probe targeting major LA-area Chinese video store
The owner and manager of a popular Monterey Park, Calif., video store were arrested Monday morning by agents with U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on allegations they illegally imported and sold tens of thousands of Chinese movie DVDs bearing a counterfeit Dolby Digital trademark.
HSI, local partners seize $2 million in counterfeit goods from Puerto Rican retailers
Special agents with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working jointly with officers from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, seized more than $2 million in counterfeit merchandise during a two-day operation dubbed Forged Dreams.
2 Missouri men plead guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods
Two local men pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to trafficking in counterfeit goods after federal agents seized hundreds of pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes and other counterfeit apparel from them. The guilty pleas resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security...
Importer sentenced for bringing in counterfeit exercise gear and bribing customs official
A Southern California woman who was convicted earlier this year of bribery and trafficking in counterfeit exercise gear was sentenced Monday to 41 months in federal prison for attempting to bring counterfeit Malibu Pilates and Bowflex equipment into the United States.
Counterfeiters thrown for a loss
ICE's 'Operation Interception' sacks vendors for more than 3.56 million dollars in fake merchandise
HSI special agents seize counterfeit MLB merchandise
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and Kansas City-area law enforcement seized more than $540,000 in fake Major League Baseball (MLB) merchandise during a two-week operation prior to last week's MLB All-Star Game.
ICE seizes more than 40,000K worth of fake NFL apparel at area swap meets
With the Pro Bowl kickoff fast approaching, special agents with U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) here in the host city seized more than 135 items of counterfeit NFL apparel Wednesday in an operation targeting vendors at two popular Honolulu-area swap meets, including one based at the stadium where Sunday's game will be played.
Bakersfield business owner indicted for trafficking in counterfeit goods
A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday charging Bakersfield, Calif., shop owner Eric Huggins with one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods following an investigation by U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
HSI special agents seize thousands of counterfeit goods
HSI special agents, working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, seized more than 2,500 counterfeit items valued at more than $69,000 during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando, Fla. Click the headline to learn more about HSI's role in combatting intellectual property theft.
Maryland man sentenced for criminal copyright infringement
John M. Harris was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for criminal copyright infringement after he admitted he operated a DVD-burning factory from his residence and distributed pirated movies to vendors at the D.C. farmer's market. The sentence is the result of an investigation by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Seattle-area distributors of counterfeit tech supplies indicted
A Lynnwood electronics company, a China-based manufacturer and four individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, following a probe by the Seattle-Tacoma Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), including ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Federal agencies warn against counterfeit decorative contact lenses
The FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations, ICE's HSI, and CBP are working together to seize illegal and harmful versions of correctable vision lenses and decorative or color contact lenses that are illegally imported and distributed throughout the United States.
HSI Little Rock seizes $100,000 of counterfeit goods
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized more than $100,000 of counterfeit cosmetics, designer handbags and electronics after executing a search warrant at a Conway home Jan. 16.
North Carolina man pleads guilty to trafficking counterfeit airbags
Igor Borodin pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. district court in Charlotte to trafficking in counterfeit airbags, following an investigation by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
HSI, local partners arrest man for selling counterfeit products at Maryland auction site
Special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and detectives of the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff arrested a Pennsylvania resident for selling counterfeit goods on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Feds arrest suspected large-scale smuggler of counterfeit sex drugs
A former Korean law enforcement officer was interdicted at Los Angeles International Airport with $700,000 worth of counterfeit erectile dysfunction pills.
St. Louis man sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for copyright infringement, failing to register as a sex offender
A local man, Saidou Dia, was sentenced on Thursday to 57 months in federal prison on charges relating to a large-scale bootleg movie business and failing to register as a sex offender. About 6,400 counterfeit movies were seized in May as part of the investigation. Also seized were 10 DVD-burning towers capable of producing nearly 90 bootleg...
NHTSA, ICE alert consumers to dangers of counterfeit air bags
Following investigations by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer safety advisory today to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags.
Los Angeles merchant charged with selling counterfeit designer accessories
Leticia Nunez, a vendor in the Los Angeles fashion district who operates two booths that sell designer handbags, jewelry and other accessories, is expected to be arraigned in federal court Friday afternoon following her indictment for trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Upstate New York man sentenced for importing counterfeit pharmaceuticals
Curtis Henry of Rochester, New York, was sentenced Wednesday to three years probation and ordered to pay $13,377 for importing more than 700 counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets from a source in China into the United States. This investigation was conducted by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
HSI, Kansas City-area law enforcement seize more than $540,000 in fake MLB merchandise
Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from other law enforcement agencies seized more than $540,000 in counterfeit Major League Baseball (MLB) merchandise during a two-week operation ending with Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game.
Louis Vuitton recognizes ICE
Kenneth C. Klug, director of criminal enforcement for Louis Vuitton North America, presents awards to ICE HSI agents who worked on Operation In Our Sites Two. ICE seized more than 80 websites that sold counterfeit products on Cyber Monday.
Southeast Texas man pleads guilty to trafficking counterfeit goods
A southeast Texas man pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to traffic in counterfeit CHI hair care products, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
ICE HSI seizes $3 million worth of counterfeit items at D.C.-area flea market
On Oct. 14, 18,640 pieces of counterfeit merchandise were seized from within the D.C. Farmer's Market on the corner of Fifth Street Northeast and Neal Place Northeast by special agents with U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 11 people were arrested.
ICE hosts local intellectual property rights program for local businesses
Representatives of industry and local and federal law enforcement agencies attended a group session held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to discuss the emerging threat of intellectual property rights (IPR) theft and its connection to organized crime and terrorism.
Seattle woman sentenced for selling counterfeit exercise equipment
A Washington state woman who sold counterfeit exercise equipment on the Internet was sentenced to 30 days in federal prison Friday, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
ICE Director Morton visits Guangzhou, China
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton visited Guangzhou on Sept. 17 and 18 following earlier stops in Beijing and Shanghai.
HSI seizes nearly 800 counterfeit sports team hats, jerseys
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 795 counterfeit items in New Orleans Tuesday with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,630.
ICE plays starring role in battling movie piracy
Under "Operation In Our Sites," a new initiative aimed at Internet counterfeiting and piracy, authorities seized the domain names of several sites offering first-run movies, often within hours of their theatrical release.
8 arrested in Rockford, Ill., for wire fraud, trafficking in counterfeit goods
Eight Rockford residents were arrested and charged this week for trafficking in counterfeit goods and wire fraud. The charges resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the following agencies: U.S ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Internal Revenue...
IPR Center hosts annual symposium
To date, 142 domain names have been seized by the IPR Center, 82 of which have been forfeited for intellectual property right infringement.
Paraguayan authorities, working with HSI, seize more than $34 million in counterfeit goods
Over the past 15 months, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has provided extensive training and capacity building to Paraguay's customs office and other Paraguayan law enforcement partners.
ICE tackles counterfeit goods at Super Bowl
Three-day joint operation results in more than $1.1 million worth of counterfeit goods seized.
Eastern Iowa store owner sentenced to 37 months for trafficking in counterfeit goods
A store owner from Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced on Friday to 37 months in federal prison for trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Importer convicted of bribery and trafficking in counterfeit Chinese-made exercise equipment
A federal jury convicted a Southern California woman Thursday of bribery and trafficking in counterfeit exercise equipment, the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility.
New York man pleads guilty to importing counterfeit pharmaceuticals
An upstate New York man, Curtis Henry, has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to import counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets into the United States for resale. This investigation is being conducted U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ICE seizes $389,000 worth of counterfeit items at South Florida flea markets
More than $389,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized by special agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) during a two-day enforcement operation targeting flea markets in the South Florida area that were suspected of selling counterfeit trademarked goods.
San Jose store owner indicted for trafficking in counterfeit designer goods
Hau Phuc Nguyen, the owner of a local boutique that sells women's clothing and handbags, was arrested Tuesday on federal charges for trafficking in counterfeit goods, following a probe by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations.
Homeland Security Investigations brings counterfeit designers to heel
U.S. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served court orders seizing 16 domain names of websites selling counterfeit goods over the Internet and arrested an upstate New York man for producing and selling counterfeit goods. This operation, dubbed "Shoe Clerk," is the sixth phase of "Operation in Our Sites".
Ninjavideo website operators charged with criminal copyright conspiracy
A federal grand jury has returned an indictment in Alexandria, Va., charging five individuals with one count of conspiracy and five substantive copyright infringement counts for their involvement with the Internet website NinjaVideo.net. This investigation is being conducted by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in conjunction with...
US government announces campaign to combat demand for counterfeit products
The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, in collaboration with the National Crime Prevention Council and ICE's HSI-led IPR Center, have unveiled a new public education campaign to combat the purchase and sale of counterfeit and pirated products.
IPR Center welcomes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as its 21st partner agency
In a move designed to bolster partnerships and information sharing on intellectual property crime, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) joined the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) to become the center's 21st partner agency.
HSI, local partners seize $5 million in counterfeit goods from Puerto Rican retailer
Special agents with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized approximately $5 million in counterfeit merchandise during a four-day operation dubbed Forged Dreams, Valentine's Blitz.
HSI Tampa seizes more than $1 million worth of counterfeit goods
Nearly $1.2 million of counterfeit goods, including purses, wallets, scarves and perfumes, were seized by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents Wednesday from Jin Zheng. Zheng was previously arrested and indicted for trafficking in these counterfeit goods.
Maryland man indicted for copyright infringement of commercial software programs
A federal grand jury indicted Naveed Sheikh, 30, of Baltimore, late yesterday afternoon for illegally reproducing and distributing over 100 copyrighted commercial software programs.
Fugitive sought in scheme to manufacture and sell counterfeit rifle sights online
Law enforcement is currently seeking the co-owner of an Anaheim, Calif., online gun equipment business who is charged, along with his business partner and an office manager, in a scheme to sell counterfeit high-tech rifle sights over the Internet.
ICE hosts local intellectual property rights program for local businesses
Representatives of industry and local and federal law enforcement agencies attended a group session to discuss the emerging threat of intellectual property rights (IPR) theft and its connection to organized crime and terrorism.
Baltimore store owner sentenced to 30 months in prison for selling counterfeit luxury apparel and accessories
In Sept. 2010, law enforcement executed search warrants and seized 3,600 counterfeit items worth over $400,000 from three stores owned by Marvin Anthony Johnson, 47, of Baltimore.
Federal agencies launch 'Operation Chain Reaction'
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) has announced 'Operation Chain Reaction,' a new comprehensive initiative targeting counterfeit items entering the supply chains of the Department of Defense and other U.S. government agencies.
Founder of Ninjavideo pleads guilty to criminal copyright conspiracy
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty Friday for his role in founding a website that provided millions of users with the ability to illegally download copyright-protected movies and television programs. NinjaVideo was seized during the first phase of "Operation In Our Sites," a sustained law enforcement initiative to protect consumers...
'Operation Red Zone' nets more than $13.6 million in fake NFL merchandise
An ICE public affairs officer looks out at the Super Dome in New Orleans where ICE announced the record-breaking results of a nationwide enforcement operation. The initiative, dubbed 'Operation Red Zone,' commenced Sept. 1, 2012, and targeted international shipments of counterfeit merchandise as it entered the United States.
Corporations charged for allegedly importing hazardous and counterfeit toys from China for sale in the US
Five individuals and five corporations have been charged in an indictment unsealed today for allegedly importing hazardous and counterfeit toys from China for sale in the United States.
Corporations charged for allegedly importing hazardous and counterfeit toys from China for sale in the US
A HSI special agent observes merchandise seized during a joint operation against five individuals and five corporations charged with importing hazardous and counterfeit toys from China for sale in the United States. Click the title to learn more.
Louisiana man sentenced for pirating CDs, DVDs
Lawrence De Jean was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation, one year of home confinement, 100 hours of community service and a $3,000 fine after pleading guilty to criminal infringement of a copyright. The case was investigated by special agents with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Lakewood man sentenced to more than 3 years for trafficking counterfeit computer software
Collier Bennett Harper surrendered to federal authorities Monday to begin serving a 37-month prison sentence for importing more than 1,000 counterfeit Microsoft Office CD-ROMs and selling them to unsuspecting customers over the Internet.
ICE partners with other law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals
ICE partners with other law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals
7 charged in interstate over-the-counter drug theft and fencing operation
Following the arrest of those charged, an indictment was unsealed on Tuesday which charges seven area residents with operating an interstate over-the-counter (OTC) drug theft and fencing ring, structuring and money laundering.
Missouri man indicted for importing and selling counterfeit drugs
A local man was indicted on Friday on multiple charges for allegedly importing and selling counterfeit and misbranded prescription drugs, including Viagra and Cialis.
Chinese counterfeit drug distributor sentenced in absentia to nearly 3 years
A Chinese national, who fled the country after a jury convicted him of trafficking in counterfeit pharmaceuticals, was sentenced last week in absentia to two years and nine months in federal prison.En Wang, 32, the owner of Jiao Long USAO Inc., was convicted by jury on Sept. 2, 2010 of conspiring to traffic counterfeit and misbranded...
HSI arrests 2 in Metro Detroit counterfeit air bag probe
Two metropolitan Detroit residents face criminal charges following their arrests Monday morning by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents during an enforcement action targeting an alleged counterfeit air bag trafficking scheme.
Operation In Our Sites protects American online shoppers, cracks down on counterfeiters
To mark the official beginning of the online holiday shopping season, known as Cyber Monday, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the IPR Center, the Department of Justice and the FBI Washington Field Office have seized 150 website domain names that were illegally selling and distributing counterfeit merchandise.
Maryland man sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison for importing and selling counterfeit Cisco computer networking equipment
Donald H. Cone of Frederick, Md., was sentenced last Thursday to 30 months in prison for his role in a sophisticated conspiracy to import and sell counterfeit Cisco-branded computer networking equipment. This sentence is the result of an investigation conducted ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Indonesian man pleads guilty to selling illegally modified gaming devices
Cristiano Budiman, a citizen of Indonesia, pleaded guilty Wednesday to violating digital copyright laws by manufacturing and selling various modification chips used in popular gaming consoles. The conviction follows an investigation by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Agents confiscate thousands of counterfeit goods at NBA All-Star Weekend
More than 2,500 counterfeit items valued at more than $69,000 were confiscated as the result of a joint operation by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando.
3 vendors arrested at N.H. flea market
ICE agents seized thousands of counterfeit handbags purses and wallets at the Grandview Flea Market in Derry, N.H.
Counterfeit NBA merchandise seized from Oklahoma City stores
Special agents from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), officers from Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD), and representatives from the National Basketball Association (NBA) seized counterfeit NBA merchandise, especially related to the Oklahoma Thunder basketball team, from four local stores Wednesday.
ICE special agents seize millions at gem show
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested two men and seized more than 2,500 pieces of counterfeit luxury brand jewelry, as well as nearly $35,000 in cash at the Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers show in Tucson. Click the headline to learn more.