322: Mislead an Employer for a Foot in the Door? | Feedback Friday

Raids

Jason DeFillippo recounts his experiences conducting counterfeit raids in New York City's Chinatown. He describes the intricate underground networks where counterfeit goods were hidden, including basements connected to other buildings and vacant apartments 1. Jason explains the process of seizing counterfeit items, from counting and bagging them to storing them in a storage unit until legal procedures were complete 1. He also highlights the sad reality of young children being exploited as mules to transport counterfeit merchandise 1.

We would regularly find secret panels behind displays, drawers with false bottoms, hidden doors that led to hidden rooms, stairs, all kinds of places.

--- Jason DeFillippo

The raids often involved dramatic moments, such as finding frightened tourists locked in hidden rooms when store employees fled upon hearing of the raid 1.

   

Undercover

Jason also delves into the undercover operations that were crucial to the success of these raids. He describes how spotters, often college students in disguises, would gather intelligence on the locations of counterfeit goods 2. These spotters were skilled in surveillance techniques and played a key role in planning the raids. Jason also shares his experiences chasing counterfeiters through parks and subways, often leading to physical confrontations 3.

All they had to do is drop this stuff, but no, they ran with this stuff and we chased them running like idiots through the park and into the subway.

--- Jason DeFillippo

Despite the challenges, the integrity and professionalism of the team ensured that they only took what they were contracted to seize, maintaining a level of trust with the store owners 3.