Press Release
Summary = During the month of November more than 1,317 individuals
contributed to counterfeit losses totaling $580,520,557 USD. Counterfeit
enforcement agents also seized 3,997,394 items worth $617,044,643
USD. As reported by Gieschen Consultancy, the top countries that
aggressively pursued counterfeiters, were the Philippines (47%,
$568,137,600), Greece (30%, $361,040,000), Russia (17%,
$200,050,000), Lithuania (2%, $23,950,000), USA (1%, $8,855,950),
UK (1%, $8,395,800). China ranked 16th.
Press Release
Body = Tuesday December 14, 2004 -- Calgary, Canada -- Based on
the past month of worldwide counterfeit enforcement activity (investigations,
raids, seizures, arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, public
announcements), as
reported through the DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence Report,
more than 197 incidents were analyzed.
The profile
of the average counterfeit operation:
• Involves
7 people, averaging 32 years old. The youngest person involved was
13, the oldest was 59.
• Sells more than 2,500 counterfeit items valued at $2,946,805
USD items before being caught.
• When caught, more than 20,000 counterfeit items are seized
valued at $3,100,000.
• The most profitable items to counterfeit (based on seizures
and losses) include:
o Financial Instruments, $598,977,750 (currency, checks, money orders)
o Digital Entertainment, $377,579,600 (CDs, DVDs, software, etc.)
o Drugs, $200,100,300 (medications)
o Identification, $9,258,900 (passports, drivers licenses, birth
certificates, etc.)
o Clothing & Accessories, $4,966,100
o Other Documents, $2,860,350
o Toys & Games, $1,800,000
o Other Goods, $1,776,000
o Electronic Equipment, Industrial Goods, Food & Alcohol, Cigarettes,
and Computer Equipment, $246,200
• The most popular merchandise to counterfeit (based on incidents)
includes:
o Louis Vuitton
o Gucci
o Nike
o Adidas, Armani, Bata, Boston Red Sox, Burberry, Calvin Klein,
Canon, Chanel, Coach, Coca-Cola, Energizer, FCUK, Fendi, HP, Hugo
Boss , Lego, Microsoft, Movado, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers,
Prada, Rangers, Umbro, and Viagra were also popular.
• 11% of counterfeiters use false identification to avoid
detection.
• Fake identification is most likely to be involved in financial
crimes, such as check and credit card fraud.
• Counterfeiters which focus on producing identification profit
the most from reproducing drivers licenses (27%), visas (24%), passport
(21%), social security cards (12%), other identification cards (9%)
and birth certificates (6%).
• The most common methods of counterfeiting are:
o Digital Entertainment, using CD and DVD burners
o Drugs, repackaging in used medication containers
o Electronic Equipment, contracting Chinese companies to counterfeit
the items.
o Financial Instruments, using computers, printers, and scanners
o Identification, using computers, printers and laminating machines
o Other Documents, using computers, printers and copiers
Other interesting
November facts:
• The
best locations to manufacture counterfeit items are China (44%),
Pakistan (22%), followed by India and Singapore.
• 33 Countries reported counterfeit activity in November (Australia,
Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Finland, Greece, India, Indonesia,
Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand,
Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa,
South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA,
Vietnam, and Zambia).
In summarizing
the months activity, Glen Gieschen, Managing Director of Gieschen
Consultancy stated "November was a tremendous month for counterfeiting
culminating in more than $1 Billion (USD) of activity. A number
of extremely large and
sophisticated counterfeit operations were identified and closed
which signals an end to these investigations and the start to new
ones. Much of the activity was made public and widely covered in
the United States and United Kingdom in November to raise the level
of awareness of counterfeiting to the general public before the
Christmas season. It is no surprise that December is a month where
consumers especially fall victim to counterfeit schemes, from counterfeit
money orders, to currency and merchandise. Thus educating the public
in advance of a busy shopping season is an effective method to show
them how to identify counterfeit items and understand the detrimental
effects of this activity. Also this information provides a level
of de terrence for those thinking about setting up or continuing
their counterfeit manufacturing or distribution systems."
The full report
for November can be purchased from Gieschen Consultancy for $110
USD or $25 for DOPIP subscribers.
About DOPIP
SCI Reports
DOPIP is a powerful source of information regarding illegal activities
such as counterfeiting, forgery, product tampering and diversion.
It provides breaking news reports and analysis relating to document,
product and intellectual product security. Security technology providers,
enforcement agencies, trade organizations, and brand owners will
find this information indispensable for detection, deterrence and
prevention. DOPIP SCI Reports is available as an annual subscription
for $295
USD.
For more information visit http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Updates.htm.
About Gieschen Consultancy
Gieschen Consultancy, is a trusted provider of in-depth information,
analysis and reporting for the document, product and intellectual
property security industry. Gieschen Consultancy applies more than
10 years security experience to assist clients in developing anti-counterfeiting,
brand protection and enforcement solutions. Through the knowledge
of security technology, criminal Modus Operandi (methods of operation),
legal and political issues, statistical information and competitive
intelligence, effective strategies are developed, implemented and
monitored.
For more information visit http://www.gieschen.com/.
Web Site
= http://www.gieschen.com/
Contact Details
= Glen Gieschen
Managing Director
Gieschen Consultancy
Glen@Gieschen.com
Phone 403-256-5680
Calgary, Alberta Canada
2025
