Investigators of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of Hong Kong Customs mounted an operation against the distribution of suspected pirated TV programmes via peer-to-peer file-sharing software on the Internet yesterday (October 3). During the operation, a 25-year-old man who was suspected to be the administrator of a forum was arrested, and a set of a computer and six hard disk drives with a total value of about $23,000 was seized.

     Acting on information, Customs officers discovered a large number of suspected pirated overseas and local TV programmes available for members, after having paid a monthly subscription fee, to download from a local discussion forum. Members of the forum could be found in different parts of the world.

     After investigation, Customs officers yesterday conducted a raid operation and arrested a man who was suspected to be the administrator of the forum in Kwai Tsing District. A large number of suspected pirated TV programmes were found being stored in his computer equipment. The man was put on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs appeals to the public to respect intellectual property rights and not to commit the offence. According to the Copyright Ordinance, anyone who without the licence of the copyright owner distributes an infringing copy of a work to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the owner, whether or not it is for benefit, commits an offence. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 for each infringing copy.

     If members of the public encounter any suspected infringing activities, please make a report to Customs on the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:55

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