Multi-Agency Task Force Targets Counterfeit Merchants

Los Angeles: On January 17, 2008, members of the Los Angeles Police Department, Anti-Piracy Unit, along with personnel from Hollenbeck Area vice unit, Central Area vice unit, Central Gang Enforcement Detail (GED), Rampart Area vice unit, Newton Area vice unit, Newton GED, and Northeast Area vice unit conducted a Task Force Operation at the El Faro and Alameda Swap Meets located at Alameda Boulevard and 45th Street.

“In our continuing effort to create safer neighborhoods throughout the City by working together to crack down on businesses and locations rife with criminal activity, we have targeted the Alameda and El Faro Swap Meets,” said City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. "We intend to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any and all individuals found to be engaging in illegal activities at these two locations," he added.

The purpose of the task force was to target the illegal sales and distribution of counterfeit and pirated products including: CDs and DVDs, apparel/clothing, jewelry, food items, vitamins, and pharmaceutical goods.

The LAPD has been working in conjunction with representatives from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, The Federal Drug Administration, Los Angeles County Health Department, and the Los Angeles City Building and Safety Department.

Additionally, the LAPD has been assisted by industry representatives from the Investigative Consultants, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and various brand owners and representatives from the jewelry and apparel industry.

The goal of the Task Force is to safely identify, arrest and prosecute vendors and distributors engaged in the illegal sales of the above items.

The result of the task force include 8 arrests and over 500 pieces of counterfeit goods confiscated worth over $12,000. Three locations were ordered to close for various Building and Safety and Health code violations.

For further information contact Detective Ishitani at 213-305-4065.