Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the York Regional Police Service have charged three Markham area residents with creating, possessing and selling pirated DVD movies. Yesterday, the RCMP Greater Toronto Area Federal Enforcement Section and members of the York Regional Police searched eight stores at the Pacific Mall in Markham and two retail outlets and a storage unit in the Dynasty Mall in Toronto. Several employees found to be selling pirated copies of Chinese and English feature films and TV series were arrested. A vehicle and two residences were also searched.Police are alleging the accused unlawfully recorded and burned DVD's. In excess of 15,000 DVD's were seized during the searches yesterday. Some of the movies found were "Superbad", "Bourne Ultimatum", "Surf's Up" and "Rush Hour 3" - movies which are currently running in local cinemas. Also seized were 65 DVD burners located in one of the residences.
Charged under the Copyright Act are:
- Yannie SIU, age 26 of Markham, Ontario
- You Jie WU, age 37 of Markham, Ontario
- Yu WANG 23 yrs old, Markham, Ont.
"There are legitimate businesses within these malls who are losing business and having difficulty staying solvent because of these pirated DVD's," stated Inspector Peter Goulet, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Federal Enforcement Section.
"This was a sophisticated criminal operation that netted these individuals huge profits" said Chief Armand La Barge. "We are pleased to work with our colleagues from the RCMP to ensure individuals running these illegal operations are brought to justice."
Several of the accused will be appearing in Newmarket Court today for a bail hearing.
1 comment:
i wonder if the RCMP would lay charges if these guys lived on a Native Reserve... I doubt it as they don't go after illegal tobacco sales made by retailers on reserves... looks like another batch of smoke to me.
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