The OEM has revealed a number of recent investigations concerning “stolen supplies and equipment”.
In a press release, Xerox stated that the recent investigations it has undertaken “uncovered stolen supplies and equipment on the black market”, with “serious legal ramifications for several individuals” as a consequence, and that it will continue its “protection of its customers and their equipment”.
The investigations came from Xerox “closely monitor[ing] the ordering and distribution of supplies”, particularly through “supply chain security controls, audits of ordering and consumption, web and marketplace monitoring and fraud mitigation programmes”. These all help to “combat against stolen supplies that leak into the black market”.
Among the investigations included the “termination of a three-year supply theft ring” which led to the recovery of “more than a million dollars in stolen consumables”, with a Missouri woman now “being prosecuted at the federal level for stealing supplies from her office and shipping them to vendors in two other states”.
Another was “the detection of metered supplies found for sale in the open market” in New Jersey, with a rigging company employee hired by Xerox allegedly selling “more than” $60,000 (€52,570) in “stolen property” now “indicted on felony theft charges”. The final investigation saw the conviction of a Kentucky man who “sold contracted supplies on a personal eBay account”, and who has now been “sentenced to five years and ordered to pay restitution”.
Xerox commented that it has “assembled a worldwide team spanning brand protection, corporate security and legal department” to “combat theft”, and also “cooperates with other equipment manufacturers” as well as “local law enforcement [and] customs and excise agencies” to “protect against stolen products”.
It also advised businesses to “secure and protect Xerox supplies” by following “proper policies and procedures”, including “locking them in a cabinet or storage area”. Other advice included “avoid over-ordering and storing excessive stock on site” as well as returning unused supplies “at the end of the contract or when upgrading equipment”, and making sure staff “are aware of their responsibilities and risk of termination if found convicted of stealing”.