"OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP" SEIZES THOUSANDS IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS

NEW YORK, NY… APRIL 9, 2001...Kessler International in joint cooperation with the New York City Police Department announced a major seizure of counterfeit designer watches in New York City. Working in cooperation with the New York City Police Department's 5th Precinct Peddler's Unit, the Kessler team quickly identified the fake merchandise and lead police in the seizure of over 5,000 watches resembling the watches of prestige manufacturers. The operation resulted in the felony arrest of two distributors and the confiscation of goods with an estimated street value in excess of $200,000.

"Product counterfeiting is a much larger problem than most people realize," commented Michael G. Kessler, President and CEO of Kessler International. "Many people view it as a victimless crime since they know the products are fake. However, most times the profits from these counterfeiters go toward other operations including terrorism and drug trafficking. By supporting these distributors, people are unwittingly funding larger more destructive operations."

The seizure comes as part of Kessler International's global initiative "Operation Clean Sweep", an Anti-Counterfeiting crackdown program. This unique effort boasts a conglomeration of corporations from different industries that have banded together through Kessler to help reduce the sale of counterfeit product in the street and on the Internet. "Unfortunately, this seizure will only make a small dent in the problem, since tomorrow someone will be out there to take their place," continued Kessler. "The more financial damage we can inflict on the distributors, the more apprehensive others will be to take their place." Utilizing the combined strength of many of the Fortune 500, in combination with efforts of Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, "Operation Clean Sweep" will help protect the public from inferior goods, and enables manufacturers to protect both their names and reputations.

Kessler International, the recognized leader in Forensic Accounting, Internet Monitoring and Corporate Investigative Strategies, specializes in all facets of global brand protection. Headquartered in New York City with offices worldwide, Kessler International protects the interests of Fortune 500 companies in the global marketplace.

For more information about Kessler International or for information about its Anti-Counterfeiting Program, "Operation Clean Sweep", contact Susan Peterson at their World Headquarters at 212-286-9100 or visit their website at www.investigation.com.