James Delahunty
3 Apr 2008 19:38
Victoria Police raided a music retailer in Sydney Road, Brunswick in Melbourne earlier today, seizing thousands of allegedly pirate music CDs and DVDs. The successful raid by Victoria Police marks the launch of Operation Rein in the Rip Offs. Police searched the premises and removed five thousand discs openly on sale and extensive burning equipment that was housed in a back room.
This nationwide operation is being spearheaded by Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI) and will target unscrupulous retailers across Australia who are blatantly selling pirate music discs and ripping off consumers, songwriters, artists and legitimate music retailers.
"This proactive raid by the Victorian Police signals the start of a national campaign by the Australian music industry to crack down on rogue traders that are damaging the music industry and ripping off consumers by selling pirate music. No matter where they are located, we will find
illegal traders that are selling pirate music and take appropriate enforcement action," Sabiene Heindl, General Manager of MIPI, said.
A 35 year old male is currently assisting Victorian Police with their inquiries in relation to today's raid. Criminal penalties for copyright infringement are up to $60,500 and 5 years imprisonment per offense for individuals, and up to $302,500 for corporations.
"Many Australian music retailers are small family run businesses that simply cannot compete with pirates that are selling inferior music product at lower prices. AMRA wholeheartedly supports actions by the Australian music
industry and law enforcement to hold these pirates accountable," Ian Harvey, Executive Director of the Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA), said.