RCMP Busts Toronto DVD Counterfeiting Racket

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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that it has disrupted a crime group allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar illegal DVD manufacturing and distribution racket in the Toronto area.

For more information visit: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Unedited press release follows:

RCMP Disrupts DVD Counterfeiting Operations

TORONTO, July 25, 2012 – The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Customs & Excise Section have disrupted a crime group allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar illegal DVD manufacturing & distribution operation within the GTA.

Over the past week, the RCMP executed Search Warrants at a Markham residence and 6 business booths, at 3 Flea Market locations in the GTA. RCMP investigators seized approximately 100,000 counterfeit DVDs, 114 DVD burners, $5,600.00 in cash and tens of thousands of packaging materials (such as plastic sleeves, jewel cases and blank DVDs) that were allegedly used to produce and distribute the counterfeit DVDs. The DVDs included new North American titled movies currently playing in the theatres.

Charged with Fraud, contrary to section 380(1) of the Criminal Code (CC), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to section 354 CC, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to Section 355 CC and with one count each contrary to the Copyright Act are:

1. FANG, YuQian (aka Jimmy CHEN), 32 years of age;
2. CHEN, Lan Qin, 49 years of age;
3. CHEN, Zifan, 23 years of age;
4. ZHUANG, Ting, 28 years of age; 5. WANG, Shuting, 24 years of age;
5. XIE, Jian Qing, 65 years of age.

The investigation is ongoing and first appearance for the accused is scheduled for August 24, 2012 at the Brampton court house.

“Intellectual property crime has a negative impact on legitimate businesses. Criminal organizations involved in criminal piracy enterprises reap profits without regard for the negative impact their activities have on the economy.” said Inspector Greg JOHNSON, Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s GTA Customs & Excise Section.

The public are reminded to look for a number of signs – the ‘4 Ps’ – that could indicate a product is counterfeit:

1)     Package: Examine the packaging and look for spelling errors or shoddy appearance.

2)     Product: Is the quality and appearance of the product satisfactory?

3)     Price: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4)     Place: Buy from reputable retailers and use extra diligences when purchasing items on the Internet.