Blog

The Intellectual Property Office in their 2016/17 Crime Report brings together the key partners who are protecting our businesses and consumers against criminality. The IP crime protection community represents a blending of government, law-enforcers, trade and industry groups and individual companies. Their report provides an insight into the work of the IP crime fighters, from local initiatives against street traders in Manchester, to complex multi-agency initiatives like Operation Jasper, to the development of effective legal remedies against IP crime through the courts.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Specialist Fraud Division (SFD) prosecutes the majority of intellectual property crimes. Whilst CPS areas retain responsibility for a small number of cases, SFD are particularly responsible for the most complex cases. The SFD have a great deal of experience in prosecuting a wide range of cases and are fully equipped to prosecute those that are more complex. SFD continue to work closely with the specialist Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) in the City of London Police to make sure that the CPS is fully prepared for these cases and that there is  a consistent and co-ordinated approach going forward.

One of the successful prosecutions was of Re Meraj Gul and Others. In July 2014 the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) received a report of crime from Surelock International Limited (Surelock). Surelock are security consultants and investigators who are authorised to conduct investigations on behalf of music merchandising companies who hold the trade mark rights of various music artists and record labels.

Surelock identified that merchandising comprising of hooded tops, sweaters, t-shirts, vest tops and hats had been sold through the online auction site, eBay by a number of eBay sellers without the consent or authorisation of the genuine rights holder for each of the articles being infringed.

The proceeds of sale were received into PayPal accounts. Once money was deposited into the PayPal accounts it was withdrawn and transferred to personal bank accounts belonging to the sellers.

Between 1 March 2012 and 2 January 2014, Surelock made five test purchases from three eBay accounts which were identified as being used to sell merchandising.

Enquiries were made of eBay and PayPal and as a result suspicion centred on Meraj Gul and others who allowed their accounts to be used to receive funds received via PayPal.

On 3 February 2015 the accused were arrested. A small annex was also discovered at a property which was being used for the production of branded clothing items.

 Seized items from this address comprised of electronic items, CCTV equipment, branded and non-branded clothing, documentation relating to the sale and supply of branded clothing, packaging materials, production machinery and vinyl transfers used to produce goods

The various companies have confirmed that neither the accused nor Gul Enterprises Ltd had permission to sell their goods. In total Meraj Gul received £131,382 from PayPal into accounts  in his name.

Meraj Gul pleaded guilty to a substantive offence contrary to section 92(1) (b) of the Trade Marks Act 1994.

He accepted that his co-defendants were just acting on his instructions.

In the circumstances it was decided to proceed solely against Meraj Gul.

On 2 June 2017 he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and confiscation proceedings were instituted.

For copy of the full report please follow the link below

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/642324/IP_Crime_Report_2016_-_2017.pdf

Another successful result by Surelock investigators, having identified prolific sellers of counterfeit t-shirts on eBay.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/15359784.Married_couple_in_court_for_selling_thousands_of_counterfeit_football_and_Ed_Sheeran_t_shirts_on_the_internet

In this economic climate when financial decisions are heavily weighed by priorities why should you consider training your staff in security? Good question, but we all know that saying of “shutting the stable door once the horse has bolted” and the significance it has in our current climate doesn’t bear thinking about, or does it?

Security affects everyone, every home, every business, everywhere. We all need to be alert and know our options to assist protecting ourselves, our colleagues, our neighbours and indeed the guy next to you in the street because believe it or not we all have an instinct that we don’t give ourselves credit for or recognise until it has kicked in, and that is survival.

There is much advice currently available from various public organisations whose existence is ultimately for our protection. Do you know the UK’s current national threat level, how to check it or what to do if it is at its highest level?

Check the National Counter Terrorism Security Office advice for security managers of crowded places following a threat level to CRITICAL https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Documents/nactso-advice-for-security-managers-of-crowded-places.pdf which provides us with information about the national threat level on the MI5 Security Service website https://www.mi5.gov.uk/threat-levels

Business is ultimately about people.  Well-trained and motivated teams make the difference and this is especially valid when it comes to security issues.  Surelock has a portfolio of practical courses and seminars which are able to help you combat crime and reduce security risks.  Bespoke courses can also be developed to meet your personnel’s particular needs.

We are reasonably priced and have SIA Approved Trainers and those with City & Guilds Teaching Adult Learners qualifications that have provided training to blue-chip companies, major pharmaceutical companies, local authorities, NHS Trusts, overseas government officials, major institutes, large and small organisations, public and private schools/educational establishments, banking/financial operations and other corporate clients. In addition to recognition and validation previously by The Security Institute, these Training Courses have been approved by HM Government and by the British Institute of Facilities Management.

Contact us for information about our courses – [email protected]  +44 (0) 333 6000 300

• Corporate Security Management: We are able to provide innovative security management training for security managers in both the public and private sectors.
• Training for Non-security Managers: Businesses recognise the role of every individual in maintaining effective security.  This philosophy is reflected in this innovative course for corporate non-security managers.
• Counter Terrorism Awareness: Unfortunately with the world-wide activities of activists this type of awareness training is paramount for corporate staff and individuals to enable them to react (or keep themselves safe) in the event of something taking place in the vicinity of any of these acts.
• Security Supervisors: We believe that your security staff cannot be fully effective if they are not totally conversant with security industry policy and procedures.  Our courses cover technical and customer care aspects of security and include topics from security awareness and risk assessments through to civil and criminal law and coping with emergencies.
• Security Awareness: We provide lively and interactive training sessions for non-security staff which engender a broad knowledge of security issues as well as enhancing the corporate ‘security culture’.
• Conflict Management: The interaction between persons, whether in business or socially, at any stage may lead immediately to aggression or conflict that needs to be recognised and addressed.
• Defensive Driving: We offer a highly respected course designed for both public and private sector organisations.  The course, over either two or four days combines theoretical and practical training including instruction on a skid pan by driving instructor and former police specialist/trainers.
• Other Training Courses/Presentations: We are able to effectively research, programme and present most other forms of training courses, which involve a security/crime related subject to alert staff and train them how to recognise or deal with a particular problem or activity.

In July 2014, Surelock International Limited provided the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) with evidence leading to a prison sentence of 30 months for Woolwich man Meraj Gul, who pleaded guilty to selling goods with unauthorised trademarks.

Acting Detective Superintendent and Head of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), Peter Ratcliffe, said: “This sentencing proves that producing, selling and distributing fake goods online will not go unpunished. Not only does this act deprive the creative industry of revenue, it also puts the livelihoods of those working in it at risk.”

“Through the hard work of our officers, and working with industry partners such as Surelock, we have effectively brought the man responsible to justice.”

Director of Surelock, Ron Harrison, said: “Surelock are one of the UK’s most pro-active brand protection companies, who represent a number of clients including music artists where we act as enforcement agents for Trademarks and Rightsholders Against Piracy (TRAP). We received excellent service and cooperation from City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). A large amount of counterfeit merchandise was seized and this was ultimately a very successful operation for which we are grateful.”

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/15342249.Woolwich_man_jailed_for_selling___150_000_of_fake_Justin_Bieber_and_1D_merchandise

Another successful result by Surelock investigators, having identified prolific sellers of Benefit cosmetics on eBay, we carried out covert test purchases, authenticated these as counterfeit and provided the authorities with an evidence package. Then after monitoring the many thousands of sales we liaised with Nottingham Trading Standards who raided the premises, seizing hundreds of counterfeit stock and conducted a criminal prosecution.

http://www.nottinghampost.com/women-who-sold-fake-benefit-make-up-on-ebay-thought-it-was-geniune/story-30325366-detail/story.html

Search engines are now pledging to make it much harder for UK internet users to find pirated films and music and illegally streamed sport.

Fake cosmetics estimated to be worth almost £100 million – including products packaged to look like the famous brands Chanel, Christian Dior and Estée Lauder – have been seized in a wide-ranging swoop in China.

Police in China’s eastern Taizhou city discovered the products in 1,200 boxes, found during seven raids earlier this month, authorities said late on Wednesday, in social media posts.

The operation has seen 15 suspects being detained, 13 of which have already been charged by prosecutors.

Police started hunting the gang behind the fake cosmetics after they were made aware of a counterfeit toothpaste being sold online a year ago, state news agency Xinhua said.

In an effort to ensure that grievances did not go further, the gang offered instant refunds to anyone who complained about the products.

Xinhua said the syndicate had distributed products throughout China and that this month’s haul had a street value of 827 million yuan (£96m).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/16/100m-worth-fake-cosmetics-seized-china-police

A man has been sentenced to 100 hours community service after pleading guilty to selling thousands of pounds worth of fake designer goods at the Peterborough weekly ‘Bizzy Boot’ sale.

Mohammed Imran Malik had admitted to seven offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 relating to the sale and supply of counterfeit items at the Wellington Street car park weekly car boot sale.

The sentencing on Tuesday (7 February) at Peterborough Crown Court follows an investigation by Peterborough City Council trading standards officers in July last year. This led to the seizure of around £12,000 worth of counterfeit items including Nike trainers, Dior perfumes, Lacoste polo shirts and Ralph Lauren polo shirts.

The city council is now seeking a Proceeds of Crime Award against Malik, 26, of Star Road, Peterborough which will review the financial aspects of the case and could result in the dissemination of any proceeds between the police and council.

All counterfeit clothing is being passed to the Police National Aid Convoy to use in their work delivering emergency aid to disaster areas throughout the world.

Councillor Irene Walsh, cabinet member for communities and environmental capital, said: “This investigation is a great example of joint working by Peterborough City Council and the local community and we will continue to work with the public, brand holders, local traders and our enforcement partners to ensure that we stamp out these illegal ‘business practices’.

“The sale of fake goods is not only damaging to the brand owners, but also to the legitimate Peterborough businesses who are trading fairly but being undercut by those who think it is fine to sell counterfeit goods.”

A spokesman for Surelock Brand Protection Services, brand protection representatives for a number of household companies, said: “People should be aware that by purchasing counterfeit goods you are receiving an inferior quality product, each sale has a detrimental effect on the livelihoods of genuine local traders and you are also helping fund criminal organisations. We applaud the actions of Peterborough Trading Standards in clamping down on the sale of goods which infringe intellectual property rights.”

Residents who have information on counterfeiting activity within Peterborough can call Citizens Advice on 03454 040506 on can pass on details by emailing Trading Standards.

We are proud to announce that we have been granted Corporate membership of The Association of British Investigators. This means so much to us as it is further recognition of how we continually strive for excellence, the highest level of professionalism and ethical standing.

This achievement complements other memberships of the Surelock team, which include the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), the Institute of Counter Fraud Specialists (ICFS), the Ex-Police in Industry and Commerce Integrity Assured (EPIC) and the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI).

View our certificate.

About the ABI

With origins dating back to 1913, the Association of British Investigators is now recognised as the premiere professional body for private investigators working in the United Kingdom. Throughout its long history, the ABI has worked hard to improve the standing and reputation of the investigative professional.