RIAA Anti-Piracy Seizure Information
California | New Jersey | New York | Rhode Island | Texas
California
April 2008 – Officials found a lot more than they bargained for at a local clothing store in LA. During an investigation into counterfeit clothing and shoes, officials found the store was offering deals on more than Nikes and jeans. Working with the LAPD Southeast Division, RIAA Investigators uncovered a substantial amount of pirated CDs. As officials continued their search, they also found a large amount of marijuana along with a kilo of meth. Officials were also able to seize two handguns. Investigators seized a total of 462 pirated CDs.
April 25, 2008 – According to Western Region investigators and Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a criminal by the name of “CD Man.” lured his customers to purchase pirated CDs by proclaiming one could “Have it your way.” The Compact Disc Man also told his patrons “we are like Burger King, we have the CDs your way.” On April 25, 2008, investigators worked with the LA Sheriff’s Dept. to take down the self-proclaimed “CD Man.” Officials were able to execute two search warrants and stop the criminal from manufacturing thousands of pirated CDs. Investigators were able to “have it their way” by seizing 40 burners and 15,221 CDs.
New Jersey
April 14, 2008 – Investigators teamed up with the East Orange Police Department to conduct enforcement action at seven different locations. From four distribution locations to three retailers, officials worked overtime to bust a large group of criminals. Their work paid off during a sweep of every location. After arresting 12 individuals, officials also seized thousands of CDs, $6,203 in cash and two weapons. Investigators were able to seize a total of 8,997 CDRs and 9,368 DVDRs.
New York
April 15, 2008 – After being arrested for the same charge in the same area, officials discovered a criminal who couldn’t stop breaking the law. On April 15, 2008, investigators from the New York Office worked with the NYPD’s 49 Pct. in executing a search warrant. At the residence, officials found a criminal operating a large burner lab. After searching the location, officials determined the man to be a recidivist. Not learning his lesson the first time, officials were able to seize 56 burners, 80 CDRs, 4,805 MPAA/ DVDRs and 5 cases of raw material.
Rhode Island
April 17, 2008 – Members of the Providence Police Department, assisted by New York RIAA investigators busted a van and its driver. Officials began surveillance on the van in Rhode Island, however, when the driver was spotted at a raw material supplier in the Bronx, officials took charge. Investigators helped execute a series of four search warrants, based on where the van was in Providence. During their search, they were able to seize a total of 43 burners and 22,098 CDRs.
Texas
April 16, 2008 – When officials attempted to make a traffic stop the subjects did not pull over the vehicle, but instead, drove to their residence. At the residence, officials watched as one subject attempted to conceal his handgun by placing it underneath the vehicle. Officers were then able to gain consent to search the vehicle. Inside the car, they discovered a large number of counterfeit DVDs, including music DVDs. Officers also uncovered a significant amount of marijuana. Unfortunately for the criminals, the hits continued to pile up. While at the residence, the United States Postal Service (USPS) arrived with a package. Since officers believed there to be more marijuana inside the house, they requested for the Canine Unit to respond to the location. Inside the residence, officials were able to uncover an additional amount of counterfeit DVDs. Thanks to the work of the Fort Worth PD K-9 Unit, officers made another discovery. The package that was earlier delivered to the residence, turned out to be another bad idea from the criminals. Inside the box was a package of rice. Delicious, I know, but unfortunately there was no rice. Instead, the package of rice contained a shrink-wrapped package of marijuana. After officials tallied up all the criminals’ horrific ideas, they were able to seize a total of 288 DVDs, 9 music DVDs and a significantly large amount of marijuana. The subjects were arrested for possession of marijuana, with intent to distribute, as well as TNA statute. They were also charged for unlawful possession of a firearm.