U.S. Busts

Be sure to peruse the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) monthly newsletter “RIAA Anti-Piracy Seizure Information,” which covers numerous bootleg, piracy and counterfeit raids across the United States. Read about the recent busts here.

Blogger Busted for Leaking ‘Chinese Democracy’

On October 27, 2008, a blogger suspected of streaming songs from the GUNS N’ ROSES album “Chinese Democracy” before its release was arrested and appeared in court, where his bail was set at $10,000.

FBI agents arrested 27-year-old Kevin Cogill on suspicion of violating federal copyright laws.  Cogill allegedly posted nine unreleased Guns N’ Roses songs on his website in June 2008, which were later removed.  According to an arrest affidavit, Cogill admitted to agents that he posted the songs on his website. Prosecutors said the leak could result in a “significant” financial loss for the band.

“Guns N’ Roses representatives have been made aware of the arrest and are leaving the matter to the authorities,” the band’s spokesman said.

USA Today, August 29, 2008
Blogger arrested over leak of Guns N’ Roses songs