DONGGUAN, CHINA--Aug 12, 2014 - The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) announced today the successful raids of two China-based counterfeiting targets carried out over the past two months. The operations, which were executed by Chinese law enforcement with the assistance of the Golf Group, resulted in the seizure of almost 62,000 counterfeit golf products. Additionally, The Golf Group announced the sentencing of two criminals charged and convicted of selling fakes in a separate case.
"These raids and sentences are a strong show of support from Chinese law enforcement that, like us, they understand the damage that counterfeiters are doing to the sport of golf," said Joe Nauman, Executive Vice President for Corporate and Legal for Acushnet Company. "There are many more counterfeiters like this, and we'll continue to work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice the people who profit from duping consumers."
In late June and early July, Chinese authorities completed two raids at counterfeit factories in the Jiangxi Province and Dongguan, where they found nearly 62,000 pieces of counterfeit golf merchandise, seizing golf club heads, shafts and grips in addition to golf apparel and other accessories.
"Every raid and every conviction brings us one step closer to our goal of eliminating the counterfeiting of golf products," Dave Cordero, spokesperson for TaylorMade-adidas Golf, said. "We know this is an ongoing battle but we're committed to doing what it takes to protect consumers and the integrity of our sport. We're proud of what we've accomplished and we're encouraged by the strong relationships we're developing with Chinese law enforcement officials to go after the counterfeit manufacturers and suppliers."
The sentences were handed down to Qing Guangxi and his wife, Deng Xiang'ai. The pair was arrested in May of 2013 after a raid revealed that they sold almost $600,000 (USD) in counterfeits through their business. Guangxi was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine in excess of $48,000 (USD). Xiang'ai received a three year prison term and $32,000 (USD) fine.
More information about the dangers of counterfeit golf clubs and products, and how to avoid them, can be found at www.keepgolfreal.com.
About the Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group
The Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group consists of five of the most well-known golf companies in the world -- Acushnet Company whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Srixon, Cleveland Golf and XXIO; PING; and TaylorMade-adidas Golf whose brands are TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams and Ashworth. Formed in 2004, the Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group has worked with international law enforcement and government agencies to conduct raids and investigations of counterfeit operations, as well as raise public awareness of the issue. Since 2011, the Golf Group's efforts with the help of Chinese law enforcement led to the seizure of more than 625,000 counterfeit golf products highlighted by a clustering campaign initiative resulting in the arrest of more than 35 suspects from raids of 21 different locations.
SOURCE: U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group
Media Contact:
Jason Rocker / Braithwaite Communications / 215-564-3200 x 110 / jrocker@gobraithwaite.com
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