Press Release

April 6, 2022

Media Contact: media@buysafeamerica.org  

 

$20 Million Theft Ring Reinforces Case for Common-Sense INFORM Legislation 
 Illinois Man Operated Nationwide Retail Crime Scheme Using E-Commerce Platforms

Washington, DC – Today, the Buy Safe America Coalition issued the following statement in response to the conviction of an Illinois man operating a $20 million retail theft ring on e-commerce platforms.

“Thieves have only become more sophisticated with their criminal schemes and are often using third-party marketplaces to make fortunes selling stolen merchandise,” said Michael Hanson, Buy Safe America Coalition spokesperson. “This incident only strengthens the case for passing the INFORM Consumers Act, a common-sense, bipartisan measure that addresses the onslaught of both stolen and counterfeit goods that are being sold on leading e-commerce platforms.”

The multimillion-dollar theft ring was an organized criminal enterprise, involving thieves traveling in vehicles registered under false names and using “booster skirts,” garments with concealment pouches, to steal merchandise from retailers. Both the ringleader behind the scheme and some of the accomplices relied on e-commerce platforms to sell the stolen products. 

Visit BuySafeAmerica.org for more information about the growing threat of stolen and counterfeit goods and solutions to better protect consumers and businesses.

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The Buy Safe America Coalition represents a diverse group of responsible retailers, consumer groups, manufacturers, intellectual property advocates and law enforcement officials who support efforts at all levels of government to protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods. The coalition is urging Congress to pass the INFORM Consumers Act — the only piece of legislation that has multi-industry and bipartisan support to combat both counterfeit and stolen products sold online.