Justice Department's Piracy Operation Against Criminal P2P Network Operators Yield Two Guilty Pleas

January 08, 2005

[The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia announced that guilty pleas were entered into court today for two individuals targeted in "Operation Digital Gridlock," a major anti-piracy initiative initiated by DOJ in August 2004. "Operation Digital Gridlock" was, according to DOJ, the "first federal enforcement action ever taken against criminal copyright theft on peer-to-peer networks." The operators of these networks -- in the cases of those who pled guilty today, Direct Connect servers -- were responsible for the "illegal distribution and reproduction of copyrighted music, movies, software and games." For more information, please see www.usdoj.gov. Below is a comment from Brad Buckles, Executive Vice President, Anti-Piracy, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).]

“The RIAA welcomes and applauds today's unprecedented announcement. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia have made it clear that those who operate peer-to-peer systems to flout the law by intentionally trading in copyright works will face the consequences. These guilty pleas further demonstrate that the campaign of federal law enforcement against online piracy is both serious and steadfast.

“The copyright industries are one of this nation’s leading economic exports. The illegal theft of music, movies, games and software is a threat to our economic security. It’s imperative and appropriate that federal law enforcement agencies do their part to help protect this vital economic and cultural sector.”

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.