May 2, 2024 at 05:01PM
Miami resident Onur Aksoy has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for running a multi-million-dollar counterfeit Cisco equipment operation, which jeopardized the US military. The scheme involved 19 companies, online accounts, and fraudulent goods trafficked from China. Aksoy’s guilty plea resulted in significant restitution and a warning for others. Cisco supports the outcome.
Summary:
– Onur Aksoy, a Miami resident, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for running a large-scale counterfeit operation selling fake Cisco equipment.
– His scheme involved overseeing at least 19 companies in New Jersey and Florida and maintaining a significant online presence with multiple Amazon and eBay accounts.
– Aksoy’s operation introduced thousands of counterfeit devices into the US supply chain, with some ending up in sensitive US military applications.
– US Customs officials intercepted 180 shipments of the counterfeit goods, leading to Aksoy’s eventual arrest in 2022.
– Aksoy pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking counterfeit goods, mail fraud, and wire fraud and is set to be released from prison in 2030.
– He has been ordered to pay restitution worth $100 million to Cisco and an undetermined amount to the victims of his fraud operation.
– Cisco has commended the US Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies for their actions in pursuing the case.
Key Takeaways:
– Onur Aksoy’s counterfeit operation involved significant online and physical presence, generating revenue in the hundreds of millions through the sale of fake Cisco equipment.
– The operation posed a threat to both private and public sector users, including the US military, leading to his eventual arrest and sentencing to prison.
– Aksoy’s scheme also led to significant financial implications, including hefty restitution payments and a prolonged period of debt repayment.
– Cisco has expressed appreciation for the investigative actions and collaboration with law enforcement, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its customers and maintaining the integrity of its products and services.