Mike Rou

Here are some interesting facts for April – June 2007:

• Our casework during April, May and June led to the arrest of 97 criminals located throughout the US and Europe.
• These suspects are suspected of committing over $1.2 million in crimes, both online and off.
• In May, we saw the conviction of a career criminal who received a sentence of 32 years for selling stolen items online.

Visit our Police Blotter for new stories
Here are some recent cases my team was instrumental in helping solve, leading to the convictions of the criminals:

• Ezra Dweck and EMH Group agreed to pay $475,000 in restitution and penalties for allegedly bidding on their own auctions to drive up the price. According to the New York Attorney General's office, employees of EMH Group placed more than 232,000 bids worth some $US5 million over about a one-year period. eBay Investigators brought the case to the attention of the attorney general's office and helped in the investigation over several months.
• Cooperation between Boise Police Detectives, retailers, and eBay resulted in search warrants, arrests, and the recovery of $20,000 in stolen property. Suspects Robert Baltezore and Charleen Souci had allegedly been shoplifting from numerous retail stores to then re-sell the items on eBay at discounted prices. Crime Prevention specialists, detectives, retailers, and eBay worked together to identify the suspects. Charges filed were conspiracy to commit burglary and grand theft.

You'll find similar stories by going to our Police Blotter, which you can find on eBay's Security & Resolution Center. We can only release the details of a case once law enforcement makes an arrest, so these stories, which are updated every six weeks or so, are just a sample of the many cases we are involved in. If you have any comments or suggestions about the Police Blotter, please email communityoutreach@ebay.com.

Safety starts with YOU!
Finally, I'll put in my quarterly safety plug! Like Mom always said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The best way to fight fraud is to be a smart, safe internet user, not only on eBay, but also while using other websites, email, or any part of the internet. eBay and PayPal are committed to helping you with the right tools and education.

Here are some exciting new safety resources from PayPal and eBay that we hope you'll use:

• PayPal's Phishing Challenge – Test your knowledge by taking the Fight Phishing Challenge! Learn what to look for and how to avoid a scam.
• PayPal's Security Key – Announced at eBay Live! in Boston, this security token adds an extra layer of security that helps to protect you when you sign in to your PayPal and eBay accounts. Find out more in our Security Key Overview.
• eBay's Marketplace Safety Tips – Read our tips for staying safe online with updated information on phishing, safe payments and more.

One more thing – recently the San Jose Mercury News, a leading local newspaper, ran a story on busting an internet fraud ring in the San Francisco Bay Area. We worked closely with the police to crack the case. You can watch a video of us talking about it on this Chatter Blog story.

I'll be back again next quarter with another update from the Global Law Enforcement Team. Until next time, stay safe!

Sincerely,

Mike Rou
The Global Law Enforcement Team
eBay North America