The owner of a now-closed Pacific Beach business who sold badges people could wear to kill the COVID-19 virus was given a 10-month federal prison term on Aug. 12 for selling falsely classified goods.
Samir Haj, 47, of Pacific Beach, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Janis Sammartino. He is the owner of Eco Shield, LLC.
She ordered Haj to forfeit $427,689 in proceeds and to pay restitution of $86,754.
“This product not only didn’t work, but it was even potentially harmful,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The defendant and his company will be held to account for cashing in on COVID fears during a global pandemic.”
The badges, known as Eco Air Doctor, were made in Japan, and they were recommended to be clipped onto clothing. Chlorine dioxide would be released into the air that would protect the wearer from “airborne infectious diseases,” such as COVID-19.
They were sold in the U.S. for $20.95 each, plus shipping. They were purchased for $6.25 each from Japan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
“What disturbs the court is preying on people’s fears on COVID,” said Sammartino. “We rely on presentations made.”
“Selling these badges on the internet…you were caught,” said Sammartino to Haj.
Haj pleaded guilty in May of 2021, to the distribution of unregistered pesticide, mailing of injurious substances, and entry of falsely classified goods. The products could not legally be shipped by mail because they contain chemicals for which mailing is barred.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Pierson said Haj was in breach of his plea agreement because he was supposed to come up with approximately $200,000 in restitution, but only produced $50,000 on Aug. 12.
“This is all he has,” said Haj’s attorney, Marc Carlos. “He’s extremely remorseful.”
Carlos had urged that Haj be sentenced to a work furlough project or to home confinement instead of prison.
“I did something I should not have done,” said Haj to the judge. “I’m sorry.”
“I tried to come up with as much (restitution) as I can,” said Haj. “I will never put myself in this situation again.”
Eco Shield, LLC, which is closed, was placed on five years probation and fined $42,000. The company pleaded guilty to the entry of falsely classified goods.
“The defendants knowingly persisted in their false assertions that their product provided protection against COVID-19,” said Scot Adair, special agent of the EPA criminal investigation program in California.
“Postal inspectors remain vigilant in protecting the U.S. Postal Service and the communities we serve,” said Inspector Carroll Harris. “Preventing the dangerous misuse of the nation’s mail system remains one of our top priorities.”
Haj, who remains free on a $10,000 bond, will surrender to prison on or by Oct. 7.
