"There are a lot of different ways to hold all of the conspirators who are involved in the effort to intentionally smuggle counterfeit goods into the U.S. and into U.S. systems accountable."

Most modern supply chains are complex, sprawling beasts. Their global scale is highly strategic, but it also creates opportunities for criminal organizations to threaten companies, the Federal government, warfighters, and first responders.

The Government Supply Chain Investigations Unit (GSCIU) was created as the result of a 2022 Congressional request for Homeland Security Investigations to address concerns about the risk of counterfeit components finding their way into U.S. military supply chains. Since then, they have operated as a task force, analyzing interagency information to identify and combat threats to relevant supply chains.

Brian Andersen is a supervisory special agent at Homeland Security Investigations Global Trade Division, part of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, and the Government Supply Chain Investigations Unit, which he had the opportunity to help build from the ground up.

In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Brian and Kelly Barner discuss:

• The priorities of the Government Supply Chain Investigations Unit
• How they partner with other agencies and private businesses to root out risk within the supply chain and hold criminals accountable
• What procurement and supply chain professionals should be on the lookout for as warning signs that they have acquired or encountered counterfeit products

Links:

• Brian Andersen on LinkedIn
• National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter
• Art of Supply on AOP
• Subscribe to This Week in Procurement