SOURCE OF PIRATED MOVIES AND MUSIC CUT OFF
4 JULY, 2009
download as PDFPolice Raid Two Shops Seizing 48 Optical Disc Burners and over 14,000 Pirated Discs
SYDNEY: On 3 July, New South Wales Police raided two stores selling pirated movies
and music in Sydney’s Cabramatta area. The raids followed intensive investigations by
investigators from the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) and
Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI) into the source of pirated optical discs
flooding local markets.
Amongst the haul police uncovered 5 computers, 12 printers, a colour photocopier and
over 13,000 blank optical discs. Police also seized 48 optical disc burners used to
produce the infringing discs and over 14,000 pirated discs.
The burnt discs seized included blockbusters like “Angels & Demons”, “Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen” and “UP”, movie titles either just released or not yet released in
Australia. Music titles including a substantial collection from the Michael Jackson
catalogue, including, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous where also seized.
“Movie piracy seriously undermines the legitimate businesses of the film and television
industry and the 50,000 workers it supports,” said Neil Gane, Director of Operations for
AFACT. “AFACT is stepping up action against the illegal production centres that supply
retailers of pirated DVDs and are grateful for the continued excellent support we receive
from the New South Wales Police and other law enforcement agencies.”
“The haul included a significant volume of Michael Jackson CDs; only days after his
tragic death these pirates are cashing in to make a quick dollar. This demonstrates how
low music pirates will stoop,” said Dean Mitchell, Investigations Manager, MIPI. “We
commend the police for their continued support in protecting the rights of our creative
industries.”
Four people are assisting police with enquires.
Penalties for copyright crimes are up to $60,500 and/or 5 years jail per offence.
AFACT Contacts:
For interviews with Neil Gane, AFACT, contact:
Stephen Jenner: (02) 9997 8011
After hours: 0409 776 196
info@afact.com.au
www.afact.com.au
MIPI Contacts:
For interviews with Dean Mitchell, MIPI, contact:
Samantha Hales: (02) 8569 1177
After hours: 0466 362 374
mipi@mipi.com.au
www.mipi.com.au
About AFACT
AFACT works closely with industry, government, police and educational institutions to address copyright theft and protect the interests of the film and television industry as well as the interests of Australian movie fans.
In 2008, state and federal police conducted 51 raids involving movie piracy and seized 544,697 pirated DVDs. They also seized 488 burners capable of producing 12 million pirated DVDs a year with a potential street value of over $61million.
AFACT operates an anti-piracy hotline: 1800 251 996.
info@afact.com.au
www.afact.com.au
About MIPI
Music Industry Piracy Investigations Pty Ltd is the anti-piracy organisation for the Australian music industry. MIPI represents close to 125 music labels through their association, ARIA and over 1,700 music publishers and songwriters through their association, AMCOS.
MIPI operates a free-call anti-piracy hotline at 1800 06 16 16.
mipi@mipi.com.au
www.mipi.com.au
