EU and US Joins Forces to Crackdown on Fake Computer Components

February 22, 2008

(Long Island, N.Y.) Encouraged by their recent success both the E.U. customs officers and its counterpart in the US agreed to be more belligerent in cracking down counterfeit computer components entering both countries through multiple channels which is a vital necessity for companies distributing such products.

“Traffickers and counterfeiters have become much more sophisticated,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Assistant Commissioner Daniel Baldwin said. “They are no longer confining themselves to trafficking in some of the traditional goods we used to see them in, such as footwear or handbags. We’ve identified a pretty significant problem, a fairly high risk for critical infrastructure. There will be criminal investigations.”

In a two week stretch bridging November and early December last year, both agencies were able to confiscate more than 360,000 fake goods posed as genuine products for over 40 different brands in an procedure tagged as “Operation Infrastructure”. Most of the confiscated items came from China, a country considered to be a hub of counterfeit goods.

In a released statement, US customs recognized the operation as an important step for maintaining integrity to the business industry and is vital for healthcare and communications. “The counterfeiting of networking hardware and integrated circuits has critical infrastructure, national security and health and safety implications,” the statement read.

During the operation, operatives seized computer components such as integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors and amplifiers valued at over $1.3 Billion. Recovered counterfeit goods also had fake seals and trademarks by companies like Cisco, Intel, Philips Electronics and Asus.

“The success of Operation Infrastructure clearly demonstrates our commitment to jointly working with our European counterparts to stop the international flow of illicit goods and protect our consumers and businesses from these harmful products,” added Dan Baldwin.

Posted by News LI Editor · Edited by Brianna - Filed Under Society