Search Results for: Consumer Fraud Act
Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Thwart Rampant Retail Crimes in New Jersey
Governor Signs Legislation to Combat Retail Crime in New Jersey
**Trenton, NJ** – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Senator Holly Schepisi to tackle the growing issue of organized retail crime. The new law targets the escalating threat by enhancing penalties for retail theft and improving law enforcement’s capacity to manage these offenses effectively.
Senator Schepisi highlighted the financial impact of organized retail crime, noting significant costs to businesses and increased consumer prices. She emphasized the safety risks employees face from organized theft groups, stating the new legislation aims to deter criminal organizations and enhance protections for both retailers and consumers.
The legislation, identified as Bill S-3587, introduces several changes to New Jersey’s legal framework regarding organized retail crime. These include regulations concerning the online sale of stolen goods, gift card fraud, and assaults on retail workers, along with additional provisions for prosecutors to aggregate shoplifting violations to determine the severity of offenses.
A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on gift card fraud, which has ties to organized crime in China and fentanyl production. It proposes stronger requirements for packaging and consumer notifications to address these issues. The legislation emphasizes community safety, ensuring retail employees and shoppers are protected from harm and tampering threats.
Japanese Hino Motors Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Auto Parts Into U.S.
Hino Motors Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Fraud Charges
**Detroit, MI** – U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith has accepted Hino Motors, Ltd.’s guilty plea to a one-count criminal charge for engaging in a long-term conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and consumers and illegally smuggling goods. The court imposed a $521.76 million criminal fine and a five-year probation period, including a prohibition on importing diesel engines into the United States. A $1.087 billion forfeiture money judgment was also issued against Hino.
Court records reveal that between 2010 and 2019, engineers at Hino Motors submitted falsified applications for engine certification approvals, violating the Clean Air Act. The engineers manipulated emissions test data and submitted fraudulent information, resulting in false fuel consumption values. Over 105,000 non-compliant engines were imported and sold between 2010 and 2022, primarily for heavy-duty trucks.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson expressed that Hino’s actions gave it an unfair advantage and generated over $1 billion in proceeds. The Justice Department is committed to enforcing emissions standards and addressing fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the importance of
