Russian Law Enforcement
Destroys Over 40 Million Fake Cigarettes

RYAZAN, RUSSIA — Representatives of Russian law enforcement publicly destroyed over 40 million fake cigarettes, not far from the factory where the fake cigarettes and production equipment were seized by police in January 2003.

"By undertaking today's destruction, Russian authorities have sent a strong message to counterfeiters that producing and trafficking in fake goods will not be tolerated," said Tom Thomson, Vice President, Coalition for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR).

In early 2003, Russian law enforcement, in cooperation with the infringed brand holder Philip Morris International, found evidence that fake Marlboro and L&M cigarettes were being produced for export to European Union States, according to law enforcement officials. Law enforcement authorities acted on this information, raiding a factory and seizing the counterfeit products. Today's action is an important step in this ongoing process.

"Ongoing cooperation between law enforcement and brand holders is essential to halting the flood of counterfeits in Russia and transit shipments to the international markets," said Alexander Vorobiev, Head of Press Service, RF Ministry of Internal Affairs Economic Crimes Department.

Today's public event is "an excellent example of cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to combat international counterfeiting," said Thompson.

"Today's landmark event, however, is not the final step in the enforcement process. Legal actions are still pending on this case and must be finalized. Additionally, other suspected producers of counterfeit cigarettes for export exist and law enforcement must remain constantly vigilant," continued Thomson.

"Counterfeiters victimize governments through lost tax revenues, commit fraud against consumers and violate the intellectual property rights of trademark holders," said Olga Barannikova, Russia Representative, CIPR. "Today's effort by Russian law enforcement to stop the producers of fake cigarettes needs to be replicated against all fake goods in Russia."

"Effective enforcement means bringing the criminals behind the production of fake cigarettes and other products to justice. Today's action is an important step forward to reassuring consumers and intellectual property owners of Russia's commitment to combating the traffic in fake goods," concluded Thomson.

The Coalition for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) is private-public partnership dedicated solely to advancing intellectual property rights protection and reform in Russia, the Baltic States and CIS countries. Through research, education, legislative initiatives, coalition building and legal, judicial and regulatory reforms, CIPR assists governments and businesses in the region to establish transparent and non-discriminatory IPR regimes and to adhere to international standards. CIPR members include several of the world's most famous trademark owners in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, fashion, computer and tobacco industries, and enjoys broad support by government trademark regulators and enforcement officials throughout the region.