Met
and FACT join to fight film piracy
The Metropolitan Police have teamed up with the
Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) to fight
the fast growing crime of film piracy.
This new unit will target individuals and organisations
who profit from the manufacture and distribution
of illegally copied DVDs. Using the Proceeds of
Crime Act 2002 (POCA), officers will be able to
remove the cash generated directly from the crimes,
so preventing the funding of further criminal activities
in other areas.
"This partnership launch with FACT provides
us with a welcome opportunity to concentrate on
an area of criminality which is often regarded as
victimless", said Assistant Commissioner of
the Specialist Crime Directorate, Tarique Ghaffur.
"As film piracy is often linked to other criminal
activity, by dismantling the organised criminal
networks involved, together we can reduce the negative
impact it has on the communities of London."
Raymond Leinster, FACT Director General said, "The
formation of the Met's Film Piracy Unit is a unique
development and will assist FACT's capacity to address
and confront the threats from the organised networks
which are making significant profits from film piracy.
The creation of the Unit is also proof of the increasing
recognition of film piracy as a crime of significance
amongst the law enforcement community."
Initially operating for a one-year period, the unit
will become a source of advice, guidance and support
to other police forces in similar investigations.
See also:
> Metropolitan
Police
> Federation
Against Copyright Theft (FACT)
> Piracy
is a crime
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