Bust at pirate DVD 'factory' (From Watford Observer)

Bust at pirate DVD 'factory'

5:28pm Wednesday 27th February 2008 in News

More than 2,000 illegal DVDs were seized at a factory believed to be operating illegally in South Oxhey.

A warrant was executed at Cherry Hills, off Little Oxhey Lane by the Oxhey Neighbourhood Team in partnership with the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) and Trading Standards officers under the Patents and Designs Acts.

In excess of 2,000 DVDs, hard drives, printing templates, computers and recordable media, believed to be illegally manufactured and distributed, were seized.

Two people - a 34-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man from South Oxhey - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and offences against copyright infringement.

They are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Craig Flint said: "This is highly unusual and significant find and is the result of joint working between the local community, intelligence officers, FACT, Trading Standards and the Oxhey Safer Neighbourhoods team.

"The illegal trade in DVDs is often linked to organised crime and the funding of terrorism.

People should think twice before purchasing copies of films, as it is commonly viewed as a victimless crime,' but often contributes to the misery and suffering of others."

Kieron Sharp, FACT Director General, said: "The sale of knock off DVDs generates profits for criminals as well as damaging local businesses. FACT is pleased to work in cooperation with Hertfordshire Constabulary to tackle those criminals involved in counterfeiting."

The couple's bank account has been frozen and the money laundering team are working at confiscating their assets under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).