RCMP pull the curtain down on counterfeit DVD movies

The Hamilton Niagara Regional Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested 4 individuals upon a tip regarding individuals allegedly involved in the illegal distribution of counterfeit DVD's at Hamilton area flea markets.

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Complaints received by the local detachment led investigators to two locations in Hamilton. The accused rented space at Haggler's Flea Market and the Polish Community Hall, where it is alleged they promoted and sold contraband movies. The culprits were found in possession of several thousand movies for sale including recently released DVD movies, movies still in the theaters and others yet to be released. Titles included: Gran Torino and Valkyrie amongst many others. "These crimes have a significant impact on the economy. The crimes alleged affect not only the film production studios but also local theaters and legitimate local merchants, who sell and rent movies in accordance with the law," said Cst. Monique Simpson a member of the Federal Enforcement Section. "When persons are selling 7 new or unreleased movies for only $20, the public should suspect that the product that they are buying is not legitimate. The profits from these illegal sales are ultimately funding organized crime." Charged with "Selling infringing copies of dramatic work in which copyright subsists" contrary to Sec. 42(1)(b) of the Copyright Act are the following three adults and one young person who cannot be named: 1. Ying Mei LI - 21 yrs of Toronto, ON 2. Shi Wen HAN - 41 yrs Mississauga, ON 3. FAn ZHANG - 25 yrs of Scarborough, ON The accused will appear in the Hamilton Courts on April 14, 2009 to respond to the charges. The RCMP encourages members of the public to report any similar incidents to their local RCMP Detachment or to Crime Stoppers. For further information: Sgt. Marc LaPorte, RCMP Media Relations, Office: (519) 640-7302, Cell: (416) 992-4409 or at marc.laporte@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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