According to the influential coalition, which lobbies US officials and testifies before Congress, the decision to allow Alibaba to join its ranks was a collaborative move that would help stem the sale of fake goods for top companies such as Apple and Nike.

Defections

Instead, the decision has sparked an angry revolt among some, who consider Alibaba the world's largest marketplace for fakes, and has led to Gucci America, Michael Kors and Tiffany leaving the group.

Invested in Alibaba

Now, an investigation by The Associated Press has found that the IACC's president Robert Barchiesi owns Alibaba stock and has ties to Matthew Bassiur, who took over as vice president of global intellectual property enforcement at Alibaba in January. Mr Bassiur hired Mr Barchiesi's son, Robert Barchiesi II, to work at Apple in 2011.

Driving up the price

Deborah Greaves, a partner at Brutzkus Gubner law firm who served on the coalition's board from 2011 to 2013, commented: ‘Everything the IACC does that makes Alibaba look better potentially drives up the price of the stock.’ She added that, as a board member, she would never have bought stock in the company.

An ‘exemplary’ president

In a statement, the coalition said the family connections had been disclosed and the contracts were fairly valued. ‘The board of directors of the IACC believes that Mr Barchiesi’s performance as president has been ‘exemplary, and he has the board's full confidence and support.’

Source: ABC News