Police close down rogue websites

The websites of a number of rogue companies selling counterfeit goods have been closed down as part of a Metropolitan Police initiative.

The operation run by the Met's Central e-crime included  .uk domain name registry Nominet and a number of registrars.

Nominet is currently reviewing its policy on dealing with .uk domain names used in connection with criminal activity. However following notification from the Police, Nominet worked with the relevant .uk registrars to suspend .uk domain names that were in breach of its terms and conditions. Nominet said that the domain name registrants involved were notified in advance of the suspension.

In the run up to the busy Christmas shopping period criminals set up sets to con consumers into buying fake goods such as designer brands at low prices.

Lesley Cowley, Nominet' chief executive said: ".uk deserves its reputation as a trusted online space for British consumers, and we are committed to tackling cybercrime to keep it that way.

"The .uk domain name industry has come together to protect consumers and maintain their trust in the .uk internet space."