U.S. CUSTOMS SHUTS DOWN COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS CYBER-SHIPPER

U.S. CUSTOMS SHUTS DOWN COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS CYBER-SHIPPER

   U.S. Customs has announced the arrest of two individuals involved in the international distribution of counterfeit designer watches, pens and other high-value items through the Internet.

   The agency, along with the help of the U.S. Marshall's Service and local sheriff’s department, arrested Mark Dipadova, also known as Mark Voiers, and Theresa Gayle Ford of Lancaster, S.C. The arrests follow a seven-month investigation.

   Customs special agents in Columbia and Greenville, S.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Jacksonville Air Branch, Fla., acted on a tip from a shipper and information from the product manufacturers regarding the activities of Dipadova and Ford.

   The Customs Cybersmuggling Center was also involved in the investigation. The three-year old operation investigates Internet crimes involving trademark infringement, intellectual property rights, weapons trafficking, child pornography, money laundering and illegal pharmaceutical imports.

   The shipper operated its business from the Internet Web-site, www.fakgifts.com. The sold fake Rolex, Cartier and Tag Heuer watches, Mont Blanc pens, and Oakley sunglasses to buyers in Europe, South America, Australia, Mexico and Canada, and throughout the United States.

   “This case underscores the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, the shipping industry and product manufacturers in fighting trademark infringement and cybercrime on the Internet,” said acting Customs Commissioner Charles Winwood.