“SOCA Must Target IP Theft” says Alliance

03 April 2006

The Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft has welcomed the launch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) as a major step forward in policing.

It has called on the Agency to remain engaged in the combat of the production, sale and distribution of counterfeit and fake goods.

Commenting on the launch, Alliance Director General, Susie Winter, said:

“We know IP theft is unlikely to be considered to be as sexy as drugs or human trafficking, but it is precisely this perception of IP crime as a low risk / high return activity which makes it so attractive to organised criminal gangs. The truth is that IP theft has long been a favourite form of finance for other criminal activities.

“Focusing on IP theft offers SOCA the opportunity for some quick and important early victories in the fight against serious organised crime and we look forward to working with them on this” Winter concluded.