Three NJ men admit role in fake Cisco devices conspiracy

Three New Jersey men have admitted their roles in a conspiracy to traffic counterfeit computer networking devices, according to US Attorney Philip Sellinger.

Musa Karaman (35) of North Arlington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before US District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2024.

Sadri Ozturan (37) of Hawthorne, New Jersey, and Israfil Demir (38) of Secaucus, New Jersey, each pleaded guilty before Judge Castner on August 9, 2023, to separate informations charging them with one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Sentencing for Ozturan is scheduled for December 13, 2023, and sentencing for Demir is scheduled for the following day.

According to court documents from September 2017 through May 2021, Karaman, Demir, and Ozturan formed and operated numerous entities selling computer networking equipment, including networking devices manufactured by Cisco Systems, a major US technology company.

Although the defendants advertised the Cisco products they offered for sale as new and genuine, the products were counterfeit devices they procured from various overseas suppliers at well below market prices and resold at higher prices.

The offence of trafficking in counterfeit goods carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $2m.