Media Centre / Case Studies
Date: 16/08/2006
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Two males were stopped by Dumfries and Galloway Police as the vehicle dove suspiciously along the M74. Upon stopping the vehicle is became evident that the vehicle was carrying counterfeit DVDs. The males were arrested and it emerged that the vehicle was travelling from Manchester to Glasgow. Further investigations revealed that the two males were carrying discs containing obscene material, such as bestiality.
Associated crime types: Obscene material
Date: 20/07/2006
Location: Stirling, Scotland
A known recidivist Chinese national was stopped by Central Police as he drove his vehicle suspiciously through Stirling. Upon stopping the suspect it transpired that he was driving without a valid licence or insurance and was an illegal immigrant. In addition to this crime he was wanted on warrant in the Strathclyde Police area for failing to appear in Court on a previous Trade Marks charges. As a result the suspect is due to remain in custody for some time before being prosecuted.
Associated crime types: Vehicle offences and immigration crimes
Date: 07/07/2006
Location: Glasgow
The exploitation of children was once again evident during a seizure outside a pub in Glasgow. The suspect, aged 16, was arrested as she tried to sell counterfeit DVDs in and around the local area. As the offender was a juvenile she was released on an undertaking and is due to appear in Court.
So far in 2006 FACT investigators in Scotland have reported 5 cases where the suspect has been less than 16 years old. It is increasingly worrying that children as young as 11 are becoming involved in the sale of counterfeit DVDs as well as other goods.
Associated crime types: Exploitation of Children
Date: 05/07/2006
Location: Falkirk, Scotland
An internet trader who sold counterfeit DVDs alongside fake counterfeit clothing and accessories was arrested at his home address in Falkirk. The male was using eBay to advertise his product which included a mixture of mainstream titles, pornographic titles and fake Gucci bags.
Investigations are currently ongoing.
Associated crime types: Counterfeit goods and pornography
Date: 09/06/2006
Location: Pollokshaw, Glasgow
An illegal Chinese national was arrested on suspicion of counterfeit DVDS in the Pollokshaw area of Glasgow. Upon his arrest the male became aggressive and committed a minor assault on the arresting officer. Inspection of the counterfeit DVDs did find pornography.
Throughout 2006 FACT investigators have witnessed an increase in the number of illegal Chinese street sellers present in Scotland’s major cities.
Associated crime types: Assault, pornography and immigration crimes
Date: 26/05/2006
Location: Glasgow
The exploitation of vulnerable young persons was once again highlighted in the continuing Barras Market strategy. Strathclyde Police, FACT and the BPI have been enforcing a strict surveillance policy on the market. A group of youths were witnessed selling counterfeit product. Two of the offenders arrested were under 16 and were known to Police.
Children are continuingly being used to sell counterfeit products and hardcore pornography across parts of the UK.
Associated crime types: Exploitation of Children
Date: 20/05/2006
Location: Glasgow
A group of youths all aged under 16 were arrested as they tried to covertly sell counterfeit DVDs at a well known market. Surveillance had revealed that the youths were operating under the control of a recidivist DVD seller who was using the youths to sell the product. The ringleader was subsequently arrested.
Once again the use of children in the sale of counterfeit DVDs highlights how easy it is for minors to become involved in criminal activity. The use of children also demonstrates how lifelong criminals exploit minors in order to cover up their own financial greed and attempt to distance themselves from being caught.
Associated crime types: Exploitation of Children
Date: 12/05/2006
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland
A Chinese male DVD street seller was arrested as he attempted to sell counterfeit DVDs to passers by. The male was arrested by the Police and found in the possession of pornographic and counterfeit DVDs. It also emerged that he had also been subject to previous arrests.
The male in question was an illegal immigrant and therefore prohibited from employment in the UK.
Associated crime types: Immigration crimes and pornography
Date: 08/05/2006
Location: Glasgow
A Chinese male street seller was observed trying to sell counterfeit DVDs a busy road in the central Glasgow area. As local Police approached the male, he assaulted both arresting officers. Although neither sustained serious injuries, the intent was there to commit an act of violence.
The male appeared in custody on street trade offences and assault.
Associated crime types: Assault
Date: 06/05/2006
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
A seizure in a well known market in the Glasgow area further demonstrates the links between DVD piracy and other forms of counterfeiting. Following sustained observations by FACT and Strathclyde Police, a series of arrests were made and over 2000 counterfeit DVDs were seized. Significantly, over 15,000 cigarettes, 59 packs of tobacco and 72 bottles of alcohol were also seized.
Associated crime types: Counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol
Date: 20/02/2006
Location: Edinburgh
Two simultaneous investigations by HM Revenue & Customs in February this year led to discovery of counterfeit discs in the Edinburgh area. Approximately 18,000 discs were seized along with copious amounts of pornography. The investigation also uncovered 78,000 contraband cigarettes. The house was believed to be in use by Chinese illegal nationals, however during the raids no persons were found at the address.
Associated crime types: Contraband cigarettes and pornography
Date: 03/12/2005
Location: Barras Market, Glasgow
The exploitation of vulnerable young persons in the sale of counterfeit DVDs was once again highlighted in the recent Barras Market strategy. The raid on the market was part of a joint operation between FACT, BPI and the Strathclyde Police. The operation targeted a number of individuals who were selling counterfeit DVDs, and a nearby house that was being used as a factory supplying the market sellers. Approximately eight thousand DVDs, computer games, and CDs were found at the property. Master copies of pornographic films were also discovered along with computers and burners. Simultaneously, the Police arrested twelve individuals who were being sourced by the factory. Four of the offenders arrested were under 16 and caught in possession of pornographic films. The youngest offender was 13 years old.
Children are increasingly becoming involved in the sale of counterfeit DVDs. What appears to be a harmless weekend job is a route into crime and the wider dangers associated.
Associated crime types: Pornography and exploitation of children
Date: 24/11/2005
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
In November 2005, Strathclyde traffic police stopped a vehicle with two men of Chinese origin inside acting suspiciously. Upon searching the vehicle the Police found a quantity of counterfeit DVDs as well as pornography. The two men were also found to be in possession of a number of offensive weapons. A total of 3 baseball bats, 5 iron bars and martial arts weapons were found and confiscated. It also emerged that one of the individuals had been subject to a previous arrest for DVD piracy and was an illegal immigrant.
FACT investigators have witnessed the increase in violence and in carrying of offensive weapons along with the sale and distribution of counterfeit DVDs.
Associated crime types: Offensive weapons and immigration crimes