FBI Claims Fake Designer Handbags Fund Terrorism (moved from ATSNN), page 1

A recent hearing at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee states that the sale of counterfit merchandise produces millions which in turn is funding terrorism claims former FBI official.

www.heraldsun.news.com.au
US sales of fake designer handbags, jewelry, clothing and other goods are helping to fund activities by anti-American Islamist groups in the Middle East, law-enforcement officials said today.

A former FBI official testified at a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that the sale of counterfeit goods in the US has generated 20 million to 30 million dollars funneled directly to terrorist groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah.

"People think that when they buy a fake designer bag or advance copy DVD on the street, that they're just getting a good deal and having some harmless fun. But the reality is that buying these goods not only supports criminals, but also possibly terrorists," Senator Susan Collins, Republican chairman of the committee, said.

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The list of merchandise includes such knock-off labels as Luis Vuitton, Prada, Izod, Nike, and fake Disney apparel. Just a few months ago, authorities in Ireland claim that buying bootleg DVDs and pirated CDs funds terrorist efforts of the Irish Republican Army.

[edit on 5/26/2005 by Simulacra]