SEATTLE — Amazon announced that its Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) has achieved significant progress in its mission to eliminate counterfeit goods from its platform, including over $180 million in court-ordered restitution and judgments and more than 65 criminal convictions globally.
Launched in 2020, the CCU has grown from a small team operating in two countries to a global force spanning 12 countries and partnering with more than 50 government agencies. The unit, composed of former federal prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and data analysts, has initiated over 200 civil actions and made hundreds of criminal referrals against counterfeiters.
“The five-year milestone of Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit is a testament to what’s possible when government and industry work together. The IPR Center’s collaboration with Amazon has strengthened our collective ability to hold counterfeiters accountable and protect intellectual property rights across the globe. We look forward to continuing this vital partnership in the years ahead,” said Ivan Arvelo, Director, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Amazon credits the success of the CCU to advanced technology—including AI-powered detection systems that preemptively block 99% of suspicious listings—as well as deep collaboration with law enforcement and brands. Partnerships with organizations such as EUROPOL, the FBI, and China’s IP enforcement agencies have been instrumental in cross-border crackdowns.
In one notable case, the CCU helped dismantle a global counterfeit ring trafficking fake rideshare accessories. The investigation led to coordinated raids in China and a $1.1 million judgment. Another collaboration with jewelry brand Pandora spanned nine European countries and resulted in prison sentences and fines for major counterfeiters.
“As the world’s largest jewelry brand, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail and are committed to protecting our brand from the threat of counterfeit products,” said Peter Ring, SVP General Counsel, Pandora. “This successful collaboration with Amazon shows how impactful joint efforts can be in stopping counterfeiting operations. By combining our global brand protection expertise with Amazon’s investigative capabilities, we supported local law enforcement in dismantling a sophisticated criminal network. This case marks an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of our brand and the quality our customers expect and trust us to deliver.”
As part of its broader initiative to “drive counterfeits to zero,” Amazon continues to invest in tools like Brand Registry and Transparency and encourages ongoing collaboration with brands and government agencies worldwide.
For more, read the latest Amazon Brand Protection Report or visit the Counterfeit Crimes Unit page.
