Chicago, Illinois. The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other law enforcement agencies arrested Alexandre Khomoutov and executed search warrants in Chicago as part of an ongoing investigation into Weekly Coupon Service (WCS), an alleged multimillion-dollar counterfeit coupon ring. If convicted, Khomoutov could face imprisonment, restitution, and other penalties.
The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) initially brought the matter to law enforcement’s attention and, along with its members, supported the investigation.
CIC Executive Director Bud Miller said, “Earlier this month, authorities executed a search warrant at the South Florida facility where the counterfeit coupons were allegedly produced. The search recovered hundreds of pounds of counterfeit coupons and other evidence. The high-quality, high-speed printers, cutters, and other equipment highlight the defendants’ alleged resourcefulness and sophistication.”
Miller added, “Consumers who possess WCS coupons should not use them, as doing so could result in arrest and prosecution. Instead, they should retain the counterfeit coupons, packaging materials, and any related records. Consumers can contact CIC at https://couponinformationcenter.com/contact-us/ to provide information about their experience. CIC greatly appreciates the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.”
CIC urges industry participants to adopt layered defenses and emerging loss-prevention technologies, including Positive Offer Files, Negative Offer Files, AI (8112) barcodes, and the CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker App. Retailers can generally gain access to the CIC App the same day they apply, providing an immediate, free defense against counterfeit coupons. Layered defenses and cooperation with CIC are sound security practices that help protect shareholder interests.
The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC®) is a nonprofit association of proactive consumer product manufacturers dedicated to combating coupon fraud in paper and digital formats. For four decades, CIC has delivered leadership, value, and expertise to manufacturers and their shareholders.
Operation Queenpins II CIC News Release
Retailers: Scan this QR code to register for CIC’s Suspect Coupon Checker App. It’s Free!
