Feds donate seized San Francisco Giants clothing to charity

SAN FRANCISCO – Hundreds of items of counterfeit San Francisco Giants clothing seized by the Department of Homeland Security during last year's World Series are being donated to World Vision International, a non-profit organization that provides aid to the needy around the globe.

The items, including t-shirts, caps and beanies, were confiscated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in conjunction with the 2012 World Series at AT&T Park. Working closely with city officials, CBP and HSI conducted various enforcement operations during the event aimed at curtailing the sale of counterfeit merchandise, including examining supply trucks entering the park and targeting street vendors.

"The sale of counterfeit goods causes immeasurable harm to the U.S. economy, but through charitable efforts like this, at least some good can come from these crimes," said Clark Settles, special agent in charge of HSI San Francisco.

"One of CBP's primary trade missions is protecting America's economy and the American consumer," said Reginald Manning, CBP's San Francisco port director. "Although these items were originally intended to circumvent U.S. laws and produce illegal profits, they can now be put to good use by those with a genuine need."

In fiscal year 2012, intellectual property rights enforcement by HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection led to more than 22,000 seizures with an estimated retail value of than $1.26 billion. That figure is based upon the suggested retail price had the products been genuine.