Musa Karaman, Trafficking Counterfeit Goods, New Jersey 2023

TRI-STATE AREA CRIME WAVE

TRENTON, N.J. - In a shocking turn of events, three New Jersey men have admitted to participating in a conspiracy to traffic counterfeit computer networking devices. The illicit operation, which spanned from September 2017 to May 2021, has left law enforcement officials scrambling to understand the extent of the damage.

Musa Karaman, 35, of North Arlington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods on January 4, 2024. Karaman faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $2 million.

Sadri Ozturan, 37, of Hawthorne, New Jersey, and Israfil Demir, 38, of Secaucus, New Jersey, each pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods on August 9, 2023. Ozturan's sentencing is scheduled for December 13, 2023, while Demir's sentencing is set for December 14, 2023.

According to court documents, the defendants operated numerous entities selling computer networking equipment, including networking devices manufactured by Cisco Systems Inc. Despite advertising the products as new and genuine, the counterfeit devices were procured from overseas suppliers at significantly lower prices and resold at higher prices.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.

The case is being prosecuted by Andrew M. Trombly, Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/three-new-jersey-men-admit-participating-conspiracy-traffic-counterfeit-computer