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    Over 100 unauthorised pay TV decoders, smart cards and smart card programmers were seized in three operations mounted in Sham Shui Po by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) and the Police against the sale of unauthorised pay TV decoders within the past four weeks.  

    The three raids were conducted on May 13 (Friday), May 28 (Saturday) and June 5 (Sunday) respectively. Eight people were taken to the police station to assist in further investigations.

    A spokesman for OFTA warned that selling, importing, exporting, manufacturing or offering for sale or hire an unauthorised TV decoder is a criminal offence under the Broadcasting Ordinance.

    The offender is liable to a maximum penalty of $1 million fine and five years' imprisonment upon conviction.

    "In a recent case, the offender was convicted and received a six-month jail sentence suspended for 36 months and a fine of $3,000.

    "We resolve to clamp down on these illegal activities, which are under the close surveillance of OFTA and the Police and would further step up our enforcement action against these illegal activities as and when necessary. Surprise checks and inspections will continuously be conducted on those stalls and shops that are suspected of selling unauthorised pay TV decoders," the spokesman said.

    He pointed out that using illegal decoders for commercial purposes, such as pirated viewing of pay TV programmes in a restaurant, was a criminal offence. Both commercial and domestic users of the decoders are also subject to civil court action by the pay TV operators.

    "Members of the public purchasing or using the decoders will not only suffer financial loss, but will also face serious legal consequences," the spokesman reiterated.

Ends/Sunday, June 12, 2005

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