Just another $9,872,878 week of counterfeiting!

Released on = August 24, 2004, 11:24 pm

Press Release Author = Gieschen Consultancy

Press Release Summary = In the past week, the United States has accounted for the
highest number (36%) of counterfeit enforcement activity (investigations, raids,
arrests, seizures, charges, convictions, and sentences), followed by India (17%) and
the United Kingdom (13%) as surveyed by Gieschen Consultancy.

Press Release Body = Wednesday August 25, 2004 -- Calgary, Canada -- Based on the
past week of counterfeit enforcement activity, as reported through the DOPIP
Security Competitive Intelligence Report, more than 49 incidents were recorded,
involving 157 individuals from 14 countries, resulting in the seizure of 820,004
pieces and losses estimated at more than $9,872,878 (USD). 48 of these individuals
were sentenced as a result of their counterfeit activity to a total of 16 years,
which averages just 4 months per crime.

The variety of counterfeit items seized included more than 44 categories, with
digital media (CDs, DVDs, VCDs, and VHFs) accounting for 16%, followed by currency
(10%), passport and visas (10%), and checks (7%).

82% of the counterfeit enforcement activity for this period focused on raids,
seizures and arrests. The remaining activity was directed towards investigations
(2%), charges (5%), convictions (4%), sentences (7%).

According to Glen Gieschen, Managing Director of Gieschen Consultancy, "The bright
spot of the week was an Indian printer that was raided and more than $1,000,000 in
printing, hologram manufacturing and packaging equipment were seized which will
result in a temporary weakening of the counterfeit market in India. I also expect
many of the raids to lead to further investigations and seizures which will prove
links to organized crime and terrorist fundraising. However, given that 57% of the
counterfeits were aided with the use of unsophisticated low cost home computing
equipment (scanners, graphics software, printers, CD and DVD burners), the
temptation will remain high to continue this activity."

Further results are as follows:

· 49 Incidents of Counterfeiting activity (investigations, raids, seizures, arrests,
charges, sentences), involving 157 individuals, including seizures of 820,004 pieces
at an estimated loss value of $9,872,878 related to cell phone bags, birth
certificates, car windshields, CD players, CDs, cell phone smart cards, cement,
certificates of authenticity, checks, cigarettes, clothing, credit cards, currency
(India, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, US, Euro), drivers licenses,
DVDs, electrical products, fertilizer, films, identity cards, identity documents,
immigration stamps, insurance cards, lottery tickets, medical certificates,
medicine, packaging, packaging materials, parking placards, passports (Canada,
Taiwan, US, UK), perfume, prescription drugs, shoes, social security cards,
software, student identification, tickets, TVs, university degrees, VCDs, VHFs,
visas, warrants, and watches.

· Counterfeit methods reported include the use of sophisticated printing and
hologram machinery imported from China, photo scanners, laptop computers, high
quality printers, printer/scanner/copiers, software, hologram sheets and electrical
pressing machines for tampering with passports, skimming and card-making equipment,
computer programs to produce checks, multi-drive CD-burning stacks, and schemer
machines.

· 20 Brand owners identified (Adidas, Ferrari, Tommy Hilfinger, Versace, Calvin
Klein, Mossimo, Nike, Microsoft, Sunsilk, Clinic Plus, Chik, Ariel, Bajaj, Philips,
Surya Roshini, Paan Parag, Baba, Goa, Manikchand and Swiss Army).

· Information from 15 Countries (Australia, Bangladesh, China, Guyana, India, Italy,
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Landa, UAE,
UK, and USA)

About DOPIP SCI Reports

DOPIP is a powerful source of information regarding illegal activities such as
counterfeiting, forgery, product tampering and diversion. It provides breaking news
reports and analysis relating to document, product and intellectual product
security. Security technology providers, enforcement agencies, trade organizations,
and brand owners will find this information indispensable for detection, deterrence
and prevention. DOPIP SCI Reports is available as an annual subscription for $195
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For more information visit http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Updates.htm.


About Gieschen Consultancy

Gieschen Consultancy, is a trusted provider of in-depth information, analysis and
reporting for the document, product and intellectual property security industry.
Gieschen Consultancy applies more than 10 years security experience to assist
clients in developing anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and enforcement
solutions. Through the knowledge of security technology, criminal Modus Operandi
(methods of operation), legal and political issues, statistical information and
competitive intelligence, effective strategies are developed, implemented and
monitored.

Web Site = http://www.gieschen.com/.

Contact Details = Glen Gieschen
Managing Director
Gieschen Consultancy
Glen@Gieschen.com
Phone 403-256-5680
Calgary, Alberta Canada