FBI gets 30 convictions in fake Cisco hardware scam

The FBI has had success in its Operation Network Raider

The FBI has wrapped up an investigation into fake Cisco networking hardware that resulted in 30 felony convictions and the recovery of $143m (£97m) worth of equipment.

The investigation concerned Chinese computer networking hardware that was being rebadged as Cisco equipment. The FBI and US Customs and Border Protection (CPB) have seized more than 94,000 counterfeit Cisco network components and labels.

Ehab Ashoor, 49, a Saudi citizen, was sentenced in the Southern District of Texas to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $119,400 (£81,000) in restitution to Cisco.

Ashoor purchased counterfeit Cisco Gigabit Interface Converters from a vendor in China to sell to the US Department of Defense for use by US Marine Corps personnel operating in Iraq.

"These cases involve greedy businessmen hocking counterfeit and substandard hardware to any buyer, whether it could affect the health and safety of others in a hospital setting or the security of our troops on the battlefield," said John Morton, assistant secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"They pose a triple threat to our nation by stealing from our economy, threatening US jobs and potentially putting the safety of our citizens at risk. "

The FBI's continuing operation against this type of fraud has been dubbed Operation Network Raider.

"Operation Network Raider is an outstanding example of co-operation between CPB and its law enforcement partners to combat the counterfeiting that threatens our economy," said CPB commissioner Alan Bersin.

"Protecting businesses against these threats is a top priority for CBP, and we are committed to continuing our work with law enforcement and the private sector to ensure the safety and security of the American people."