Over 4,500 domain names hosting websites selling counterfeit products to consumers online have been seized by law enforcement authorities in a joint global operation. Operation In Our Sites VII tackled copyright-infringing websites and third-party marketplace listings selling luxury goods, sportswear, spare parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and other fake products.

There were roughly 15,000 illegal websites seized and 48,000 erroneous e-commerce links removed over the past year.

Law enforcement authorities from 27 countries, anti-counterfeiting associations and brand owner representatives participated in this action, which was coordinated and facilitated by Europol’s Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition, the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and Interpol.