Takedown operation culls counterfeit-peddling websites

An international enforcement operation has resulted in the seizures of almost a thousand domain names for sites selling counterfeit goods.

The In our Sites (IOS) operation - currently in its sixth year - was supported by brand owners representing name-brand apparels, handbags, footwear, eyewear, cosmetics, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, sporting goods, personal care products, as well as the entertainment industry.

The operation tackled the sale of counterfeit goods - including intellectual property trademark infringements - and online piracy on e-commerce platforms and social networks. It was led by Europol and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

For the first time, Interpol also contributed to the campaign allowing the involvement of eight non-EU and US countries, namely Argentina, Chile, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Panama, Peru, South Korea and Thailand.

Visitors typing the domain names into their web browsers will find either a banner that notifies them of the seizure and educates them about the crime of wilful copyright infringement, or a 'page not found' notice.