Operation 'Secret Bay' in Italy hits pirate sales on eBay

11th May 2006

Fiscal Police (GdF) from Udine, assisted by industry's anti-piracy body FPM, executed several search orders in a nationwide operation against the online sales of pirate CDs and DVDs. During operation 'Secret Bay' the police seized music and video compilations offered on eBay by illegal traders. Twenty individuals were indicted for copyright violation and are facing prison sentences up to four years in addition to administrative sanctions for millions of Euros. Equipment including computers, burners and printers were also seized.

During the investigation, aimed to stop a major ring of online resellers, the police and the anti-piracy federation received cooperation from the anti-fraud office of eBay. Most of the resellers were found with dozens of packages ready for the shipment and some of them were discovered downloading music and movies from file-sharing networks. Bank accounts have been seized by the Fiscal Police and they are now investigating the customers of this illegal trade. According to Italian law the consumers of pirate goods can face an administrative sanction of up to €10,000.

For further information please contact enzo.mazza@fimi.it, tel. +390 (2) 795 879