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06/05/2004
Pearson warns of growing international counterfeit problem
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Ian Pearson has warned that Northern Ireland crime gangs are increasingly developing international links as a means of funding their criminal networks.
Mr Pearson made his comments as he addressed members of the Interpol Intellectual Property Crime Action Group (IIPCAG), who are meeting this week in Belfast.
The Minister said: "Whilst a high percentage of counterfeit products appearing in the marketplace in Northern Ireland are manufactured on a large scale locally, it is known that top level organised criminal gangs are increasingly developing international links and sourcing their products overseas.
"Just as our borders are opening up more and more to legitimate trade, it is essential that law enforcement agencies and those working in trade and industry work together in a co-ordinated, structured way, to ensure that our borders are firmly closed to organised criminals."
Mr Pearson also spoke of the increasing threat from international terrorism, and how trade in counterfeit goods was funding terrorist campaigns, not only in Northern Ireland, but across the world.
He continued: "It is imperative, not just for our economic well-being, but for the protection of our citizens', that we strip organised criminals of their business, their ability to operate and their wealth. Intellectual Property Crime must not be lucrative for criminals anywhere."
IIPCAG was established in July 2002 and comprises around 30 individuals drawn from international policing organisations (including the PSNI), Customs and representatives from industry, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Alliance Against Counterfeiting and the Pharmaceutical Security Institute.
This is the 6th meeting of the group and the first time it has met outside of Interpol's Headquarters in Lyon, France.
(MB)
Mr Pearson made his comments as he addressed members of the Interpol Intellectual Property Crime Action Group (IIPCAG), who are meeting this week in Belfast.
The Minister said: "Whilst a high percentage of counterfeit products appearing in the marketplace in Northern Ireland are manufactured on a large scale locally, it is known that top level organised criminal gangs are increasingly developing international links and sourcing their products overseas.
"Just as our borders are opening up more and more to legitimate trade, it is essential that law enforcement agencies and those working in trade and industry work together in a co-ordinated, structured way, to ensure that our borders are firmly closed to organised criminals."
Mr Pearson also spoke of the increasing threat from international terrorism, and how trade in counterfeit goods was funding terrorist campaigns, not only in Northern Ireland, but across the world.
He continued: "It is imperative, not just for our economic well-being, but for the protection of our citizens', that we strip organised criminals of their business, their ability to operate and their wealth. Intellectual Property Crime must not be lucrative for criminals anywhere."
IIPCAG was established in July 2002 and comprises around 30 individuals drawn from international policing organisations (including the PSNI), Customs and representatives from industry, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Alliance Against Counterfeiting and the Pharmaceutical Security Institute.
This is the 6th meeting of the group and the first time it has met outside of Interpol's Headquarters in Lyon, France.
(MB)
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