Europol, in collaboration with US Immigration andCustoms Enforcement, seized the domains of approximately 300 websites selling counterfeit products.
Law enforcement agencies are concerned that citizens are being deceived and spending a lot of money on counterfeit "junk" products.
Europol said 25 law enforcement agencies from 19 countries and the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center were involved in the seizures .
"Intellectual property rights infringement is a growing problem in our economies for millions of producers and consumers," said EuropolRob Wainwright.
" Europol is committed to working with its international partners to crack down on the criminal networks responsible for this illegal activity."
These websites offer various products, ranging from luxury goods and sporting goods to CDs and DVDs.
The domains are now available to national governments participating in the site takedown. OperationIn Our Siteshas taken down 1,829 domains so far.
The action came at a good time of year as it could save consumers who are being scammed and making holiday purchases.
“Working with our international partners on these activities demonstrates the real impact of intellectual property crime,” added Bruce Foucart, deputy director of the US National Intellectual Property Rights CoordinationCenter.
"Counterfeiters are taking advantage of the holiday season to sell cheap imitation products to unsuspecting consumers everywhere. Consumers need to protect themselves, their families and their personal financial information from the criminal networks operating these websites.".
