https://bit.ly/3NhAq7x - 🔐 Florida resident Onur Aksoy admitted guilt in the District of New Jersey for running a large-scale operation trafficking fraudulent and counterfeit Cisco networking equipment. He operated across a vast network, including at least 19 businesses in New Jersey and Florida, around 15 Amazon storefronts, and over 10 eBay storefronts. These entities were collectively responsible for importing tens of thousands of low-quality, modified computer networking devices with counterfeit Cisco branding from China and Hong Kong. The total estimated retail value of these devices is in the hundreds of millions. The operation generated over $100M in revenue, with Aksoy pocketing millions for personal gain. #CyberCrime #FraudulentBusiness 🏭 The devices, originally older, lower-model products, were transformed by Chinese counterfeiters to mimic new, enhanced, and more costly Cisco equipment. The counterfeiters incorporated pirated Cisco software and unauthorized, substandard components, and added counterfeit Cisco packaging. The final touch was the counterfeit Cisco labels, stickers, boxes, and documentation, designed to make the devices appear new and genuine. #CounterfeitGoods #IPTheft ⚠️ The counterfeit products sold by Aksoy's network were fraught with performance, functionality, and safety issues, often resulting in considerable damage to their users’ networks. Among his customers were hospitals, schools, government agencies, and the military, with some damage incidents costing users tens of thousands of dollars. #SafetyIssues #ConsumerRights 🚢 Between 2014 and 2022, Customs and Border Protection seized around 180 shipments of counterfeit Cisco devices en route to Aksoy’s network from China and Hong Kong. Aksoy used various methods to try to dodge scrutiny, including splitting up shipments, using fake delivery addresses, and using an alias, “Dave Durden,” in his dealings with Chinese co-conspirators. #IllegalOperations #CustomsSeizure 🛑 Despite seven cease and desist letters from Cisco between 2014 and 2019, Aksoy continued his illegal operations. In some instances, he even responded with forged documents via his attorney. Following a 2021 raid on Aksoy's warehouse, authorities seized over 1,156 counterfeit Cisco devices worth more than $7M. #LawEnforcement #CorporateCompliance 👨⚖️ Aksoy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Under his plea agreement, he faces a potential four to six and a half years in prison and will have to forfeit $15M in illicit gains and make full restitution to his victims. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6.
