Met police set up film piracy unit

UK police have established a unit especially dedicated to fighting movie piracy. The new Metropolitan Police Film Piracy Unit will target gangs and individuals raking it in from the sale of fake DVDs.

The police group, comprising one detective sergeant and four detective constables, will work alongside the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) in collating intelligence on film piracy. The unit will also provide advice and support to other police forces in the UK on the investigation of film piracy. It will initially operate for a one-year trial period.

"Today’s partnership launch with Fact provides us with a welcome opportunity to concentrate on an area of criminality which is often regarded as victim-less. As film piracy is often linked to other criminal activity, by dismantling the organised criminal networks involved, together we can reduce the negative impact it has on the communities of London," said Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur of the Met's Specialist Crime Directorate.

"This will clearly send a message that this type of crime will not pay," said Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Mawer. ®