The investigation……
C3i reviewed the information provided and worked with the Brand Protection team to understand the market and the seller activity in the market. Within a couple of weeks C3i had detected a seller network across multiple platforms that appeared to be coordinated. Evidential Test Purchases were arranged and when these were received these items were profiled and compared against ‘genuine’ products.
This analysis confirmed the product was counterfeit and also proved that the items bought from multiple sellers were all from the same manufacturing source.
Using our charting, mapping, investigation techniques and processes we identified a person of interest and associated addresses.
C3i carried out surveillance on the target, gathered intelligence and evidenced selling and delivery activity over a few days.
This evidence and intelligence formed the basis of a comprehensive case report that was presented to the Brand and was also later passed to appropriate law enforcement. The data collated confirmed that this person was responsible for selling more of these retail products into the UK market than the brand itself in the previous 12 months.
The brand engaged external lawyers and despite their focused efforts they also were unable to develop any intelligence that led to any seller or manufacturer therefore no tangible action could be taken. At this point the brand turned to C3i.
