FACTs About DVD and Video Pirates

Organised crime and terrorism rings funded to the tune of millions by film industry pirates - 2003 saw an increase in over 400% in the seizure of counterfeit goods -

Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. The organisation has proved a direct link between the money raised from the sale of counterfeit goods and the funding of organised crime and terrorism rings.

Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "Evidence that organised crime is funded by intellectual property fraud has been collated over the last two years from cases that have come before the courts. The significant increase of seized goods in 2003 indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.

"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."

This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.

Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."

The release of Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King before Christmas ensured the end of last year was a busy time for FACT as the organisation tried to combat illegal trading of advanced copies. The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.

Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 120,722
VHS 86,501
DVDR 167,447
DVD Comp 2,515
DVDR Comp 10,250
DVD 1,568,997