Feds break websites selling fake high-end cycling gear & clothing

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FEDS BREAK WEBSITES SELLING FAKE HIGH-END CYCLING GEAR & CLOTHING. The Houston Press (4/30, Connelly) reports, “The Homeland Securities Investigation office in Houston announced today they’d shut down 10 websites for selling fake bike equipment like high-end carbon frames and clothing.” The counterfeit items “carried the brand names of SRAM, Cervelo, Pinarello, Specialized and INVISTA.”

The Humble (TX) Observer (4/30, 12K) reports, “Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 Internet domain names that were illegally selling trademarked cycling equipment and apparel globally. The 10 seized domain names are a continuation of “Operation In Our Sites” (IOS), an HSI sustained law enforcement initiative that began in 2010. The seized domain names are now in the custody of the U.S. government.” Regarding the operation, Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston, stated, “The seizure of these domain names is an important tool in HSI’s continuing efforts to protect the consumer from sub-par and dangerous goods. … HSI special agents are also committed to protecting the rights of businesses that play by the rules so that they can remain competitive and support our economy.”

KTRK-TV Houston (4/30) reports, “Officials say they also identified PayPal accounts used by the infringing websites and atargeted more than $90,000 in proceeds received through those accounts.”

Also reporting on the story is the Atascocita (TX) Observer (4/30).

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