May 5, 2024 A Florida resident has been sentenced to over six years in prison for orchestrating a counterfeit scheme involving fake Cisco networking gear that jeopardized the US military’s security. Onur Aksoy, also known as Ron Aksoy and Dave Durden, generated $100 million in revenue from the scam, which used counterfeit devices that even ended up in critical military applications.

Aksoy pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking in counterfeit goods and fraud. The scam involved selling fake Cisco devices to various clients, including the US military, through a network of companies, Amazon storefronts, and eBay listings. The counterfeit devices were used in sensitive military systems, including platforms for US fighter jets and other aircraft.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasized that the fake devices compromised military operations and could have impacted systems like F-15 and P-8 aircraft flight simulators. The counterfeit products were also found in other sensitive applications involving combat and non-combat operations across the US Navy, Air Force, and Army.

The case highlights a broader problem with counterfeit tech in the grey market, which has been a persistent issue for IT brands like Cisco. These unauthorized sales channels have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant losses for companies and potential security risks for organizations purchasing these counterfeit products.