Social Media Counterfeiters Face the Wrath of 'Operation Jasper'
Online piracy has been a problem ever since we first got online. Everything from DVDs, albums and even high-end fashion labels have a counterfeit or stolen equivalent knocking around the web. Now, with the rise of social media, the problem has quickly escalated.
In recent years criminals worldwide have taken to using social media, and Facebook in particular, as a means of connecting with potential 'customers', and even as a method of distribution for the illegally obtained goods. Believing they can trade with impunity in the digital world, they don't even bother with subtlety any more.
Well, it seems the government has finally had enough.
In the largest attack on digital piracy in UK law enforcement history, a collaboration of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team and National Markets Group have launched 'Operation Jasper' in an effort to turn the tables on hordes of cyber-criminals. The initiative has already proven to be a massive success, with some inspiring statistics to back it up.
So far authorities have orchestrated 12 raids, with 22 more investigations still underway. They have also closed 20 Facebook profiles, removed over 4,300 posts from the social network, sent around 200 warning letters and issued 24 cease-and-desist orders - and they won't be backing down any time soon.
Items seized in the recent raids have included counterfeit phones, PCs, high-end fashion, Android TV boxes and a worrying stash of Cinderella dolls found to have high concentrations of toxic chemicals.
Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, stated: "Criminals who operate on social media have become brazen because they think operating from their living rooms using laptops—without having to be physically present on market stalls—means they are less likely to get caught. I am extremely pleased that this operation has been able to prove that misconception wrong."
So it seems we are headed into an age of increased online accountability, where the laws of the world are enforced in the digital one as well. It will be a steep slope to climb, but this latest move certainly displays a willingness and ability to get it done.
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| dailydot.com |
Well, it seems the government has finally had enough.
In the largest attack on digital piracy in UK law enforcement history, a collaboration of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team and National Markets Group have launched 'Operation Jasper' in an effort to turn the tables on hordes of cyber-criminals. The initiative has already proven to be a massive success, with some inspiring statistics to back it up.
So far authorities have orchestrated 12 raids, with 22 more investigations still underway. They have also closed 20 Facebook profiles, removed over 4,300 posts from the social network, sent around 200 warning letters and issued 24 cease-and-desist orders - and they won't be backing down any time soon.
Items seized in the recent raids have included counterfeit phones, PCs, high-end fashion, Android TV boxes and a worrying stash of Cinderella dolls found to have high concentrations of toxic chemicals.
Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, stated: "Criminals who operate on social media have become brazen because they think operating from their living rooms using laptops—without having to be physically present on market stalls—means they are less likely to get caught. I am extremely pleased that this operation has been able to prove that misconception wrong."
So it seems we are headed into an age of increased online accountability, where the laws of the world are enforced in the digital one as well. It will be a steep slope to climb, but this latest move certainly displays a willingness and ability to get it done.
Sam Bonson
Sam is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @SamAtSMF
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Social Media Counterfeiters Face the Wrath of 'Operation Jasper'
Reviewed by Unknown
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Wednesday, July 01, 2015
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Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
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