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| Scottish Pirate Arrested After Two Year Operation A two-year anti-piracy operation came to a successful close on Friday with the arrest of a renowned counterfeiter and the recovery of an estimated ?250, 000 worth of games, music and film discs, after ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) and local authorities hit four locations in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The 35-year-old man, who has previous convictions for counterfeiting offences and assault, had been under observation for some time. The confiscated copied games included PlayStation 2, Xbox and Gamecube titles and formed the majority of the haul. It was also apparent that he had been illegally 'chipping' consoles. A team of ELSPA investigators with Dumfries and Galloway police and trading standards officers searched a one-bedroom flat belonging to the individual, as well as a shop, an internet caf? and two other houses. A search of the flat uncovered a hidden staircase behind a cupboard door, which led up to a secret second floor. This comprised of several rooms full of state of the art copying equipment and a large amount of counterfeit merchandise, as well as a safe containing jewellery and over ?2, 000 in cash. A stash of copied discs was also found hidden in a fake partition. Although this was the offender's listed home address - thought to be a front for fraudulent benefit claims - he in fact resided in a nearby house with his wife and children. ELSPA is now forensically examining the seized evidence. It is likely that court proceedings will follow. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Game News :: home page |