Nir Giist, Counterfeit Goods Sales, South Dakota 2011

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Florida Man Sentenced for Selling Counterfeit Goods

A Florida man, Nir Giist, 55, has been sentenced to one year of probation for selling counterfeit goods in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Between February 2010 and August 2011, Giist intentionally sold counterfeit, wearable items through a corporation named Sturgis Black Hills Rally S.D., LLC. The sale of the counterfeit goods, such as t-shirts, hats, pants, shorts, and other wearable items, were deliberately designed and marketed to deceive consumers, and violated the trademarks held by the victims.

The victims in this case include prominent brands such as Monster Energy, The North Face, American Eagle, and Rovio Entertainment (Angry Birds). Giist was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, $70,000 in restitution to the victims, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson warned the public to be aware of counterfeit goods during events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, saying, “This case serves as a timely reminder that with an event the magnitude of the upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, there is an increased chance of counterfeit goods being sold or counterfeit money being used. I urge the public to be aware, and if there is a suspicion of counterfeit trafficking, they should contact law enforcement authorities immediately.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will have special agents on hand at the 2013 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to investigate allegations of illegal counterfeiting of trademark items. “HSI takes violations of copyright and trademark laws seriously,” said Eugene Paulauskas, acting deputy special agent in charge of HSI St. Paul, which covers South Dakota. “We will continue to pursue criminals who break these laws at events such as these in order to protect the public’s health and safety.”

This case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins. Giist’s sentencing is a reminder that counterfeit goods are a serious crime that can have significant consequences for both the victims and the public.

As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally approaches, law enforcement is urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to counterfeit goods. With the increased presence of HSI agents, the chances of catching counterfeiters are higher than ever.

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