WEBSITE SELLING MILLIONS IN COUNTERFEIT POSTAGE SHUT DOWN BY...

Miami, FL - The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and partner federal agencies have seized an internet domain, charging a Pakistani national with operating an unauthorized website that allegedly sold more than 5 million counterfeit U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postage labels, resulting in more than $126 million in losses.

Court records show Faheem Akram, 33, of Khanewal, Pakistan, operated LabelsBank.com, a website that allegedly sold counterfeit USPS postage at a fixed rate, typically charging $2 per label, regardless of the package's weight, size, or destination. LabelsBank.com was not authorized to sell USPS products and services. The counterfeit labels allowed customers to ship packages at deeply discounted prices, resulting in a substantial loss in revenue to USPS for shipping services rendered.

Postal inspectors from the Miami Division of the Postal Inspection Service found more than 5,000 customers used LabelsBank.com to purchase more than 5.1 million counterfeit shipping labels. In conjunction with Akram's indictment, a court order was issued authorizing the domain seizure and shutdown of the website.

Akram is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make and sell counterfeit postage stamps, five counts of making and selling counterfeit postage stamp labels, and four counts of wire fraud. It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

"Our reach goes beyond our borders," said Miami Division Postal Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo. "If you are defrauding the Postal Service and targeting U.S consumers by pushing phony postage, we will find you and bring you to justice."