“The US Government is very serious about tracking down those who illegally import or sell HCFC-22. Anyone devising illegal schemes to import or sell this refrigerant is on notice that the US will arrest and convict you,” stated Dave Stirpe, Alliance Executive Director.
“We are approaching the problem of counterfeit refrigerants very aggressively,” said Greg Rubin, global business manager, DuPont Refrigerants. “Counterfeit refrigerants can cause significant business impact including equipment failure and more importantly can cause physical harm or loss of life.”
A relenteless two-year investigation — complete with wiretaps and informants — raised the curtain on a multimillion-dollar web of refrigerant smugglers and trafficking routes stretching from factories in the developing world — mostly China — to the Dominican Republic, Wales, Mexico and other points.
“In this case, the defendant not only made this illegal [refrigerant] sale, but went further and created a false document to cover his tracks. This case demonstrates that anyone who thinks breaking the law is worth the risk should think again.”