Acushnet Company Assists In Breakup Of Major Counterfeit Golf Equipment
Ring
Fairhaven, MA (September 25, 2009) - The ringleader of a wide ranging
criminal conspiracy involving the sale of counterfeit golf equipment
pled guilty to various charges, including conspiracy and
counterfeiting, in a London court this week. Gary Bellchambers, and
eight other defendants, were charged with various crimes, including
counterfeiting and conspiracy after the local Trading Standards office
conducted an investigation into their fraudulent eBay business. The
counterfeiting activities included the sale of potentially millions of
pounds worth of fake golf equipment. Bellchambers, 45, will be
sentenced in the near future. Two of Bellchambers' co-conspirators,
Keith Thomas, 49, and Chris Moughton, 56, also admitted guilt, while
six other defendants are currently on trial in Snaresbrook Crown Court
in London. According to an eBay official, this is one of the largest
counterfeit products conspiracies discovered on their website.
Acushnet Company, which is comprised of the Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra
golf equipment brands, maintains a constant presence online by
monitoring the multitude of platforms where unauthorized sellers offer
their products. In 2006, Acushnet detected several sellers located in
the London Borough of Havering on eBay, conducted an internal
investigation, and alerted local law enforcement. Coupled with a
consumer complaint, the law enforcement officials took an interest in
the case and uncovered a network that extended beyond the borders of
the United Kingdom into several other countries, including Australia,
China, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
"Acushnet is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the remaining
defendants," said Clive Harrison, Brand Protection Officer of Acushnet
Europe. "We are delighted to see Mr. Bellchambers, and hopefully his
counterparts, finally being held accountable for their part in this
scheme. We extend our thanks to the Havering Trading Standards office
for their efforts in bringing this case to court."
"This is an historic case not only for the golf manufacturers, but for
all brand owners who must combat the increasing global problem of
online counterfeit products," said Lisa Rogan, Acushnet Company
Trademark Manager. "The sale of fake and unauthorized golf products
damages the reputation of our brands and impacts our customers around
the world. We have a worldwide team of associates who aggressively
attack this growing issue, and we will continue our vigilant commitment
to protect our brands and customers by continuously monitoring internet
sales and websites."
Over the past several years, Acushnet has alerted federal and local
authorities around the globe about counterfeits and the unauthorized
sale of Acushnet branded products, resulting in dozens of arrests and
convictions, as well as the removal of millions of dollars worth of
counterfeit product from commerce.
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