The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (October 24) smashed a pirated optical disc (POD) duplication and storage centre in an industrial building at Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong. A man was arrested with the seizure of 10 POD duplicating machines and over 20,000 PODs valued at more than $500,000.
It was the first time that C&ED discovered a POD syndicate renting a mini storage in an industrial building for duplicating and storing PODs to avoid Customs detection.
A number of disc writers were attached to each of the 10 POD duplicating machines and a total of 50 PODs could be made at one time. The seized PODs were mainly of popular Japanese cartoons and drama episodes.
The arrested man, aged 36, will be put on police bail and prosecuted for committing POD-related offences.
C&ED reminds the public that making, selling or possessing copyright infringement articles for trade or business is a serious offence. Any person violating the Copyright Ordinance is liable to the maximum penalty of imprisonment for eight years and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy.
Anyone who comes across any suspected piracy activities is encouraged to report to the Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, October 24, 2009