Analytical software to help in battle against DVD piracy

Cutting edge analytical software is currently being installed by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) as the agency looks to increase its investigative capacities in the fight against increasing DVD piracy.
The i2 Analyst's Notebook and i2 iBase technology, which is used worldwide by law enforcement and commercial organisations, will facilitate FACT’s transformation from a detection-orientated body into an investigative force with the ability to confront the criminal risk analysis of DVD piracy.
The need for improved diagnostic competence and forensic capabilities is reflected in recent seizure figures, which confirm the high volume of the illegal DVD market in the UK. The number of pirate DVDs seized in 2004 was close to the 3 million mark, a 47% increase on the amount for 2003, making Britain the world’s black market film capital, after the US.
FACT said that these statistics confirmed the relatively risk-free and lucrative nature of the illegal film market in the UK - criminal gangs are well aware that DVD piracy generates easy cash, which can be ploughed into other forms of crime. The sale of pirate DVDs is merely the most public of a multitude of other illegal and unsavoury activities in which criminals are involved.
Raymond Leinster, Director General of FACT, said: “The installation of the i2 software will allow us to adopt the National Intelligence Model and will enhance our engagement with the law enforcement community. It will facilitate the targeting of prolific individuals and networks sustaining the importation, manufacture and distribution of illicit film product.
“Our aim is to increase the numbers of prosecutions of principal figures and networks associated with importation, manufacture and distribution of illicit film product.
"We are delighted with the help and support we've received from i2 in getting the system up and running and are confident that we can now raise our investigative threshold to a new level in order to tackle DVD piracy successfully.”
Accepted as a prosecution authority in its own right, investigators from trade body FACT conduct inquiries throughout the UK and assist statutory enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the illicit import, manufacture and distribution of film product.
FACT, www.fact-uk.org.uk
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