Two accused of selling counterfeit Cisco kit

Two US brothers have been charged with various crimes after they allegedly sold counterfeit Cisco equipment to several government agencies including the FBI, the Federal Aviation Authority and the Marine Corps.

Other agencies which fell for the scam included the US Air Force, Department of Energy and various federal prisons.

Charges brought against the two Richmond brothers include conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit goods. Michael Edman, 36, and Robert Edman, 28, are due in federal court on 4 January.

Under the indictment the Texan pair are accused of registering a business name of “Syren Technology” and importing and then passing off imitation computer cards and other components as being manufactured by Cisco.

The men are accused of importing cartons full of counterfeit Cisco stickers which were then attached to the phony components.

They also stand accused of importing empty boxes with Cisco logos that were used to package the equipment for shipment to make it appear like legitimate products.

Prior to the indictment against the brothers, the US immigration and customs enforcement agency raided Michael Edman's home and ranch. The Feds have also begun filing paperwork in order to seize the ranch which is worth around half a million dollars.

On Monday,Click2Huston.com reported that neighbours had seen boxes of computer gear coming and going from the house.

According to court papers, federal agents investigating the men were tipped off by a seller of the counterfeit goods in China.

If convicted of the charges the brothers may be sent to federal prison or could receive probation. ®