Counterfeit rings of bad actors producing products are a growing global issue, threatening consumer safety and brand integrity. Amazon’s Counterfeit Crime Unit (CCU) has long been at the forefront of combating this problem, leveraging partnerships with brands like Cisco to dismantle counterfeit networks. Together, these efforts have led to criminal convictions, including prison sentences and fines, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in the fight against counterfeiting.
The Power of Collaboration
The CCU’s partnership with Cisco exemplifies the impact of joint efforts in protecting customers and maintaining brand trust. By working closely with brands to investigate and gather intelligence on counterfeiters, the CCU takes proactive measures such as:
- Removing problematic product listings.
- Blocking accounts of bad actors.
- Referring counterfeit cases to law enforcement for further action.
But their efforts don’t stop there. Beyond immediate protective actions, the CCU collaborates with brands to ensure bad actors are held accountable, fostering a safer marketplace for consumers and businesses alike.
Recent Successes Against Counterfeit Networks
The Demir Ring
In October 2024, a federal court in New Jersey sentenced Israfil Demir to 364 days in prison and three years of supervised release for trafficking counterfeit Cisco products. His two co-conspirators, Sadri Ozturan and Musa Karaman, received sentences of five months in prison with home confinement and 364 days in prison, respectively. Together, they trafficked as much as $1.5 million in counterfeit goods, harming both customers and the Cisco brand.
The Aksoy Operation
Earlier this year, another counterfeit operation led by Onur Aksoy faced justice. Operating multiple companies and dozens of online storefronts, Aksoy imported and sold millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit Cisco products in the U.S. The New Jersey federal court sentenced him to six years and six months in prison. This conviction was the result of a joint criminal referral by Amazon and Cisco, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated actions against large-scale counterfeit networks.
Protecting Customers and Brands
Cisco has emphasized the importance of these collaborations in protecting customers and ensuring the authenticity of its products. Neil Sheridan, Senior Director of Brand Protection at Cisco, remarked:
“Maintaining the integrity and quality of our products and protecting our partners’ and customers’ investment in Cisco solutions is a top priority. The Cisco Brand Protection team appreciates the strong collaboration with Amazon’s CCU, and we thank our colleagues in U.S. law enforcement and the Department of Justice for their efforts to bring these individuals to justice.”
Sheridan also encouraged customers to purchase products only through Cisco-authorized channel partners to avoid defective and potentially dangerous counterfeit products.
Amazon’s Commitment to Fighting Counterfeits
Amazon’s CCU continues to make significant strides in combating counterfeit goods. Since its inception, the CCU has pursued over 21,000 bad actors through litigation and criminal referrals to law enforcement. Kebharu Smith, Director of Amazon’s CCU, reaffirmed Amazon’s dedication:
“Amazon is committed to ensuring that the products in our store are safe and authentic. When counterfeit products are identified, we work closely with brands like Cisco and law enforcement to protect our customers and aggressively pursue the bad actors to hold them accountable.”
A Global Impact
These recent successes highlight the importance of partnerships between corporations, brands, and law enforcement in eliminating counterfeits. By combining resources and expertise, Amazon’s CCU and its partners continue to create a safer marketplace while dismantling counterfeit operations at their roots.
For consumers, the message is clear: Always purchase products through trusted, authorized channels to ensure authenticity and safety. For businesses, the CCU’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration in protecting brand integrity and customer trust. Together, we can build a counterfeit-free marketplace.
If you are dealing with a counterfeit issue and need counsel, please contact Ference & Associates at 412-741-8400.