Funding terrorism

Terrorists and terrorist sympathizers in Los Angeles and around the world are using proceeds from counterfeiting, drug trafficking and other crimes to fund global activities, authorities said Friday. Troy Anderson in the Daily News.

The news comes as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is expected to release a Gallup study on consumer behavior and data today showing counterfeiting and piracy costs Americans $250 billion annually.

Chamber spokeswoman Katie Wilson said counterfeiting of everything from CDs, DVDs and handbags to medications, cigarettes and toothpaste is one of the biggest problems in the nation.