Fakegifts.com owners face criminal charges

Where do we get our fake Rolexes now?

By Linda Harrison in New York • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 26th January 2001 22:46 GMT

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The American duo allegedly behind fakegifts.com could face a lengthy spell in jail for selling imitation designer chic, such as Cartier watches, over the Net.

Cartier, which started the investigation into Mark Dipadova and Theresa Gayle Ford in Columbia, claims it is the first action by federal prosecutors against sellers of allegedly counterfeit material online.

Dipadova and Ford have been charged with three counts of trademark infringement, one count of conspiracy, and one of making false statements to federal agents, the Wall Street Journal reports

The maximum penalty for each trademark infringement is a $2 million fine and ten years in prison, while the conspiracy and false statements counts each carry a maximum penalty of $250,000 fine and five years in prison.

The site, which this afternoon was still up and running, carries the bewildering tagline: "Worry-free luxury shopping that demand the respect that you deserve."

It sells fake luxury goods such as Gucci handbags ($70) and Oakley's sunglasses ($19.50). The fact that the site goes by the name of fakegifts, and has the word 'replica' plastered all over it, does not protect it from the law. Apparently. ®