Episode 370

Behind Amazon’s Counterfeit Crime Unit with Kebharu Smith

Published on: 29th July, 2025

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In this episode of Fraudology, host Karisse Hendrick sits down with Kebharu Smith, the Associate General Counsel and Director of the Counterfeit Crimes Unit at Amazon, to dive deep into the world of online counterfeiting. Kebharu Smith shares fascinating insights from his journey as a former prosecutor to leading Amazon's aggressive efforts against counterfeiters. Listeners will gain an insider's perspective on how Amazon is leveraging cutting-edge technology, partnerships with law enforcement, and innovative legal strategies to combat the global scourge of counterfeit products.

The conversation explores Amazon's multi-pronged approach, including their billion-dollar investment in AI and machine learning tools, empowering brands through programs like Project Zero, and the Counterfeit Crimes Unit's relentless pursuit of bad actors through civil lawsuits and criminal referrals. Kebharu Smith reveals surprising successes in partnering with Chinese authorities to take down counterfeit manufacturers at the source. He also discusses new and evasive schemes like social media influencers promoting counterfeits, and how Amazon is adapting to stay ahead of fraudsters.

Perhaps most compellingly, Kebharu Smith emphasizes that counterfeiting is far from a victimless crime, often intertwined with human trafficking, terrorism financing, and other serious offenses. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in e-commerce, brand protection, cybercrime, or the intricate world of online fraud prevention. Tune in to understand the high-stakes battle being waged to keep online marketplaces safe and trustworthy for consumers and brands alike.

To connect with Kebharu on LinkedIn:

Kebharu Smith

Amazon's Annual Brand Protection Report:

https://trustworthyshopping.aboutamazon.com/2024-brand-protection-report

Fraudology is hosted by Karisse Hendrick, a fraud fighter with decades of experience advising hundreds of the biggest ecommerce companies in the world on fraud, chargebacks, and other forms of abuse impacting a company's bottom line.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

She brings her experience, expertise, and extensive network of experts to this podcast weekly, on Tuesdays.

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About the Podcast

Fraudology Podcast with Karisse Hendrick
Join Fraud Fighter Karisse Hendrick twice a week for deep dive interviews and weekly fraud news.
If you work in online fraud prevention, chances are you've caught the "bug". The bug that makes you passionate about identifying & preventing cybercriminals from getting away with stealing from your company, or your client's companies. Most people who have made cyber-fraud their career have the perfect balance of analytical and social skills, a strong sense of justice and the curiosity that will drive you to go down every path of information until you "crack the case".

Just like sociology is the study of social behavior, and psychology is the study of human behavior, Fraudology is the science and study of fraud.

On the Fraudology podcast, long-time online fraud expert, Karisse Hendrick will dive into all areas of Fraudology from the perspective of a fraud-fighter. With guests ranging from former cybercriminals to fraud-fighters at Fortune 500 companies to law enforcement and others, you will no doubt be entertained, while learning a lot about fraud & other forms of abuse prevention!

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Karisse Hendrick