Most people are aware of the criminal acts associated with
the sales of counterfeit goods, while others are still skeptical. A recent
arrest is a worthy example of how counterfeit goods are linked to terrorism. (See the full article here).
In
Philadelphia a man was charged for selling counterfeits in order to raise
funds for the terrorist group Hezballah. More specifically, Hezballah is a
Lebonese militant group. The suspect sold counterfeits in the South Jersey and
Philadelphia area of the U.S. and was recently extradited back for trial from
South America. He has been charged with 28 offenses, including conspiring to
support Hezballah with proceeds from the sale of counterfeit goods and cash,
stolen merchandise and fraudulent passports. He was arrested in Paraguay last
June.
There are thousands of operations such as this one happening
across the globe. Criminals see counterfeiting as a low risk, high profit
business to fund other crimes. In many cases, the outcome is to support
terrorist acts. Evidence has shown that Al Queda training manuals suggest using
the fake trade as a form of bringing in revenue to fund operations. All we ask
is that you think about what you are contributing to the next time you buy a
counterfeit product.