U.S. Busts
1 Q 2011 (First Quarter) BUSTS
Largest Piracy Bust in LA History
In the largest raid on counterfeit goods in Los Angeles history, the city’s Anti-Piracy Task Force made 10 arrests and seized more than $4 million worth of counterfeit goods, including a sizeable number of DVDs.
The series of raids conducted in December 2010, dubbed Operation Chimney Sweep, involved dozens of LAPD officers and private investigators, and resulted in the seizure of $4.06 million worth of illegal movies, music and apparel.
“The film industry is one of America’s greatest exports that drives economic growth, provides good jobs, and generates vital revenue for governments and communities at all levels, especially in Los Angeles,” said Larry Hahn, director of domestic content protection for the MPAA. “We are grateful to the city of Los Angeles and the LAPD for their leadership and sustained commitment to curbing piracy in Los Angeles, the film and television capitol of the world.”
Since 2004, L.A. anti-piracy law enforcement has made nearly 500 arrests, served more than 700 warrants and seized more than $305 million worth of counterfeit goods. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates the amount that Los Angeles county businesses lose to piracy annually is over $5.2 billion.
Home Media Magazine, December 22, 2010 (Chris Tribbey)