The International Anti Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) to combat Italian counterfeiters. The agreement, signed on 14 September, will allow the organizations to share best practices on brand protection and build on their existing collaboration to bolster anti-counterfeiting initiatives in Italy. In November 2015, the IACC and GdF partnered up to combat developments in counterfeiting, training more than 600 of Italy’s financial police.
Bob Barchiesi, president of IACC, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Guardia di Finanza in the fight against fakes in Italy.” Our organization’s anti-counterfeiting expertise coupled with GdF’s on-the-ground knowledge will strengthen local law enforcement’s ability to prevent counterfeiters from taking advantage of legitimate businesses and unsuspecting consumers.” Giorgio Toschi, commanding general of GdF, said: “Counterfeiting and piracy offences pose serious threats both to economy and to society.” Partnership with the IACC will strongly support the fight against such international crimes, fostering the correct and proper functioning of the internal market and assuring consumer protection.
