Couple arrested in pirate CD raid in Sydney

February 27, 2007

At 9.00am today, the NSW Police raided the She Video Shop at Rowe Street, Eastwood in Sydney seizing thousands of pirated CDs and DVDs. This followed extensive covert surveillance and investigation by MIPI and the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft. A couple were arrested at the store and are currently being questioned by police.

Initial examination suggests that most of the illegal CDs and DVDs were manufactured in a pirate plant in China and imported into Australia. The DVDs and CDs featured well known recording artists including ABBA, U2, the Black Eyed Peas and Michael Jackson. Police allegedly have seized a quantity of pornographic material in addition to the copyright infringing music.

Sabiene Heindl, General Manager of MIPI said “This raid is another example of MIPI using its resources to work closely with the police and other copyright industries in cracking down on copyright infringing music. This should serve as a warning to all those who are considering importing or selling pirated music.”

The NSW Police have also issued a stern warning stating that for those trading in copyright theft “we will arrest and prosecute you.”

Today’s developments come just two weeks after a Flemington market seller, Simeona Nise Tuaopepe was convicted of 11 copyright offences for selling pirated music.

Penalties for copyright infringement are up to $60,500 and 5 years imprisonment per offence.

Music Industry Piracy Investigations Pty Ltd (MIPI) is an organisation that provides investigative and intellectual property right enforcement related services to the Australian music industry.