Authorities across Europe have seized 292 web domains being used to sell counterfeit goods.
The news was announced by Europol, who said the sites were reselling luxury goods and other counterfeit items, such as sportswear, electronics, pharmaceuticals and pirated goods like movies and music.
Whilst no arrests have been made, it is possible that some are soon to follow, with hope that the site’s closures will provide a means to track down those responsible.
The selling of counterfeit luxury items has been a growing issue over the past decade, with many counterfeiters turning to the internet to expose and sell their product. Recently, the Government enlisted a special police unit, the PIPCU, to help track down and put an end to sites advertising counterfeit goods.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the UK’s High Court ruled that internet service providers should do more to help crack down on websites selling counterfeit goods – issuing orders to the UK’s five main service providers to block access to six websites selling fake goods.
The aim has been to deracinate counterfeiters from the lucrative internet market, and limit their access to consumers.
Speaking of the domains closing, Bruce Foucart, acting director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre, said: “Counterfeiters take advantage of the holiday season and sell cheap fakes to unsuspecting consumers everywhere.
“Consumers need to protect themselves, their families, and their personal financial information from the criminal networks operating these bogus sites.”
Meanwhile, Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, said: “The infringements of international property rights is a growing problem in our economics and for millions of producers and consumers.
“Europol is committed to working with its international partners to crack down on the criminal networks responsible for this illegal activity.”