RCMP pull the curtain down on counterfeit DVD movies

    HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - The Hamilton Niagara Regional Detachment of
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested 4 individuals upon a tip regarding
individuals allegedly involved in the illegal distribution of counterfeit
DVD's at Hamilton area flea markets.
    Complaints received by the local detachment led investigators to two
locations in Hamilton. The accused rented space at Haggler's Flea Market and
the Polish Community Hall, where it is alleged they promoted and sold
contraband movies. The culprits were found in possession of several thousand
movies for sale including recently released DVD movies, movies still in the
theaters and others yet to be released. Titles included: Gran Torino and
Valkyrie amongst many others.
    "These crimes have a significant impact on the economy. The crimes
alleged affect not only the film production studios but also local theaters
and legitimate local merchants, who sell and rent movies in accordance with
the law," said Cst. Monique Simpson a member of the Federal Enforcement
Section. "When persons are selling 7 new or unreleased movies for only $20,
the public should suspect that the product that they are buying is not
legitimate. The profits from these illegal sales are ultimately funding
organized crime."

    Charged with "Selling infringing copies of dramatic work in which
copyright subsists" contrary to Sec. 42(1)(b) of the Copyright Act are the
following three adults and one young person who cannot be named:

    1. Ying Mei LI - 21 yrs of Toronto, ON
    2. Shi Wen HAN - 41 yrs Mississauga, ON
    3. FAn ZHANG - 25 yrs of Scarborough, ON

    The accused will appear in the Hamilton Courts on April 14, 2009 to
respond to the charges.
    The RCMP encourages members of the public to report any similar incidents
to their local RCMP Detachment or to Crime Stoppers.

For further information: Sgt. Marc LaPorte, RCMP Media Relations,
Office: (519) 640-7302, Cell: (416) 992-4409 or at
marc.laporte@rcmp-grc.gc.ca