 Seizures of counterfeit videos and DVDs are increasing |
A new centre of excellence has been set up in an attempt to keep pace with the dramatic increase in seizures of counterfeit goods. The forensic operation in East Kilbride will mean that pirated DVDs and videos recovered by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) can now be examined in Scotland.
The Lanarkshire operation is set to become a centre for excellence for optical disk examinations which could lead to criminal prosecutions.
It will also provide other forensic services to beat big-time cybercrime.
Film piracy
In January 2003, more than 60,000 counterfeit DVDs were recovered by Fact at UK airports and freight hubs.
This is more than the total Fact seized during the entire year of 2001.
Attempts to bring illicit counterfeit goods into the UK are reaching "epidemic proportions", according to the federation.
Since its conception in 1983, Fact has been identified as the film industry body predominantly tasked with fighting film piracy within the UK.
Film piracy takes many forms.
More commonly cases involve the counterfeiting and hacking of digital media formats such as DVD video, broadcast and internet abuse.
Fact assists all statutory law enforcement authorities such as the police, trading standards and customs and excise officers to investigate and act against piracy.
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