Raid Against Satellite Television Piracy

[clevfan]

Raid Against Satellite Television Piracy

Montreal, Thursday, February 10, 2005

- Yesterday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police put an end to the unlawful activities of individuals specializing in satellite television signal piracy, which is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and Radiocommunication Act. This police operation, known as “Project Capituler”, was conducted concurrently in the Montreal and Toronto areas.

Seven searches in total resulted in the seizure of software, Bell Express Vu access cards, computers and other types of equipment used to steal satellite television signals. The sale of these products in various countries via Internet generated revenues estimated at several hundred thousand dollars.

The police also seized a luxury vehicle and uncovered more than $300,000 worth of offshore transactions.

This operation, launched in early 2004 and conducted in consultation with Industry Canada, culminated with the arrest of four subjects who could face charges. It is expected that they will be summoned to appear in court. The investigation is ongoing and could lead to further arrests.

As a reminder, the RCMP will pursue appropriate action in order to enforce applicable laws pertaining to illegal business practices and the theft of telecommunication. The theft of satellite signals accounts for losses estimated at more than 100 million dollars annually for the Canadian economy.

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Broadcasters laud RCMP's action against satellite piracy


Canadian Press


February 11, 2005


OTTAWA (CP) -- A coalition representing the country's broadcasters, producers and carriers is applauding the RCMP's latest raids against suspected dealers of unauthorized satellite TV equipment.

The raids were conducted Thursday at seven locations in Montreal and Toronto under a police operation known as Project Capituler, says the RCMP C division in Montreal.

The searches resulted in the seizure of software, access cards and other equipment designed to steal satellite TV signals, police said. Also scooped up was a luxury vehicle and the uncovering of more than $300,000 worth of offshore transactions, they said. Four people were arrested under the Criminal Code and the Radiocommunication Act.

Police say further arrests are possible.

"The Coalition Against Satellite Signal Theft is pleased to see the ongoing efforts by the RCMP to address this serious illegal activity that takes over $400 million a year from the Canadian broadcasting system,'' Luc Perreault, coalition co-chairman, said in a statement.

But the group says enforcement is only part of the solution and calls on the federal government to amend the laws so that the penalties imposed reflect the severity of the crime.

"We need a long-term solution, including legislation that will act as a real deterrent and stop dealers from getting involved in this illegal activity,'' said Chris Frank, coalition co-chair.