23 'Counterfeiters' Arrested in Naples

Naples, January, 19th, 2007

23 alleged music counterfeiters were arrested last night by police in Naples in the climax of a two-year investigation. Officers from the Italian Fiscal Police (GdF) acted on arrest warrants issued by Valter Brunetti, the public prosecutor.

The suspects have been identified as alleged members of a major criminal network involving the production and distribution of pirate music and films. A total of 550 CD burners have been seized over the course of the investigation in addition to 120,000 pirate CDs and DVDs. The police have collected evidence that suggests the group made an annual illegal turnover of €75 million.