US Homeland Security shuts down websites trafficking counterfeit goods

Washington, Dec 21(ANI): U.S. Department of Homeland Security has shut down over 80 websites, which it alleges have been trafficking in counterfeit goods.

Attorney General Eric Holder said that the bogus merchandise, including fake purses and prescription drugs, were harming the U.S. economy and endangering American lives.

"By seizing these domain names, we have disrupted the sale of thousands of counterfeit items, while also cutting off funds to those willing to exploit the ingenuity of others for their own personal gain," Fox News quoted Holder, as saying.

"When fake goods find their way into our nation's marketplaces, the health and safety of our people can be severely compromised," he added.

During the course of the operation, federal law enforcement agents made undercover purchases from online retailers suspected of selling counterfeit goods.

In many instances, the goods were shipped directly into the US from suppliers in other countries using international express mail.

If the goods were confirmed as counterfeit or otherwise illegal, seizure orders for the domain names of the websites that sold the goods were obtained from U.S. magistrate judges.

Individuals attempting to access the websites will now find a banner notifying them that the domain name of that website has been seized by federal authorities. (ANI)