The targeted websites were selling counterfeit bike equipment and apparel

May 1, 2013 07:53 GMT  ·  By

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has seized 10 Internet domain names as part of the ongoing campaign dubbed “Operation in Our Sites.” In addition to the domain names, the PayPal accounts associated with them have also been seized.

According to the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the seized domains were utilized to sell counterfeit cycling equipment and apparel.

Cycling products manufacturers such as INVISTA, SRAM, Cervelo and Pinarello cooperated with authorities in identifying the counterfeit vendors.

“The seizure of these domain names is an important tool in HSI's continuing efforts to protect the consumer from sub-par and dangerous goods,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston.

“HSI special agents are also committed to protecting the rights of businesses that play by the rules so that they can remain competitive and support our economy.”

As far as the seized PayPal accounts are concerned, over $90,000 (€68,000) were found in them.

PayPal representatives say they’re “proud to partner with law enforcement and rights owners globally in the fight against the illegal online trafficking of counterfeit goods.”

The ICE explains that such counterfeit goods not only affect the manufacturer’s reputation, but they can also cause problems for consumers. For instance, counterfeit bike carbon frames are unsafe and they could cause injury.

“Our engineers have tested counterfeit frames in our lab and frankly they don't hold up. They failed our impact and fatigue tests and the aluminum head tube cups de-bonded, making steering vague and loose – that is simply not safe,” noted Andrew Love, head of brand security at Specialized.

“The counterfeiters just want to make a sale; they have zero interest in the customer. Our product integrity and rider safety are very personal for us,” he added.