| MPAA training Dogs to Sniff Out DVDs |
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Dogs. That's right, DVD sniffing dogs. This shit writes itself folks! Hit Read More for more info. United Kingdom, Los Angeles - - The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), express delivery company FedEx and HM Revenue & Customs, has joined forces to launch an exciting new initiative to help combat DVD piracy. As part of a project promoted by the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA), FACT instigated the training of two black Labradors named Lucky and Flo (pictures attached) by one of the worlds leading experts in the field whose other clients include police, fire and rescue service. The dogs were trained over an eight month period to identify DVDs that may be located in boxes, envelopes or other packaging, as well as discs concealed amongst other goods which could be sold illegally in the UK. These DVDs are often smuggled by criminal networks involved in large scale piracy operations from around the world. For their first major live test, Lucky and Flo were put to work at FedExs UK hub at Stansted Airport and were immediately successful in identifying packages and parcels containing DVDs for destinations in the UK. This is the first time dogs have been used anywhere in the world to search for counterfeit DVDs and the results were amazing, said Raymond Leinster Director General of FACT. With the cooperation and assistance of FedEx and Customs we were able to properly test the dogs in a real life situation and prove that they can work in a busy airport environment. Mary Callahan, Director Optical Disc Operations, Worldwide Anti-Piracy MPAA, added, Lucky and Flos immediate success in locating DVDs in transit offers us a new and highly effective means of detection for counterfeit discs. FedEx was glad to assist in Lucky and Flos first live test in a working situation. They were amazingly successful at identifying packages containing DVDs, which were opened and checked by HM Customs representatives. While all were legitimate shipments on the day, our message to anyone thinking about shipping counterfeit DVDs through the FedEx network is simple: youre going to get caught. FedEx employs state-of-the art security, and now Lucky and Flo are on the case, said UK Managing Director, Trevor Hoyle. HM Revenue & Customs Detection Manager Ian Chadwick said, "As an organization, we are delighted to work with FACT and FedEx to help stop the trade in counterfeit DVDs. These dogs are one of a number of powerful tools in detecting organized crime. I don't think that members of the public realize that each time they buy a counterfeit DVD they are supporting criminal activity" DVD Piracy Facts - In 2005 FACT seized over 2m pirate DVDs. - The criminal gain in the UK from piracy was £278m in 2005. - Organized criminal networks involved in film piracy are also often implicated in other serious crimes such as human smuggling, exploitation of children, possession of firearms and benefit fraud. For further information or enquiries on the dog training please contact FACT. # # # For further information: Eddy Leviten, FACT Head of Communications: 020 8568 6646/ 07768 057464 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it LA: Kori Bernards or Elizabeth Kaltman: (818) 995-6600 DC: John Feehery or Gayle Osterberg: (202) 293-1966 Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          Add your comment
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