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Customs officers of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau yesterday (Thursday) neutralised a major syndicate engaged in distribution of pirated VCDs of Japanese TV drama series and seized more than 930,000 pirated VCDs worth about $18 million.

This is the largest seizure of Japanese TV drama VCDs since September 10 when representatives of the Japanese copyright owners gave support and cooperation to the Hong Kong Customs to combat piracy of Japanese drama series in Hong Kong.

Following in-depth investigations, the officers yesterday raided the syndicate's storage and distribution centre in an industrial building in Kwun Tong and made the seizure. Four men, aged between 18 and 28, suspected to be in connection with the case, were arrested.

"We believe we have smashed a major syndicate involving in the distribution of pirated VCDs to sale outlets at black spots," said a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department.

Last year, Customs officers seized 4.4 million pirated optical discs worth $140 million and arrested 1,538 people.

From January to November this year, the officers have seized 36 million pirated discs with a market value of $920 million, and arrested 1,513 suspects.

Customs officers have so far seized about 1.53 million pirated VCDs of Japanese TV drama series.

The Copyright Ordinance stipulates that anyone who was found importing or selling any pirated articles is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $50,000 per disc and four years' imprisonment.

"The on-going anti-piracy operations demonstrate the SAR Government's determination and full commitment in combating piracy activities and preserving the good image of Hong Kong," the spokesman added.

End/Friday, December 18, 1998

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