Enforcement & Organised crime

IFPI spearheads the recording industry's anti-piracy efforts through a team of some 50 investigators and analysts, mostly ex-law enforcement personnel, who assist governments, police forces and customs departments worldwide, and through a dedicated litigation department. In 2001, IFPI completed the mission set it by the organisation's Main Board three years earlier: the formation of a worldwide anti-piracy network with regional offices covering every continent.

IFPI's resources include a forensic laboratory to pinpoint the manufacturing source of pirate CDs, a Pirate Product Database, to help trace pirated repertoire worldwide, and a training unit that, in 2001, worked actively with enforcement authorities and customs in more than 20 countries.

The year 2001 saw an unprecedented number of enforcement actions against pirate manufacturers and traders with record numbers of CD-R discs seized and CD plant lines taken out of action. However, the efforts of the industry will only be truly effective when they are integrally allied to traditional law enforcement authorities.

The Links with Organised Crime

IFPI is intensifying its cooperation with enforcement bodies such as police and customs. These private-public partnerships are crucial to the success of the fight against piracy. There is now increasing awareness of the links between music piracy and serious forms of organised crime.

The following definition of organised crime is used by the UK National Criminal Intelligence Service: "Organised crime constitutes any enterprise, or group of persons, engaged in continuing illegal activities which has as its primary purpose the generation of profit, irrespective of national boundaries." The music industry adapts this definition for the purpose of examining organised crime involvement in music piracy. An appreciation, and common understanding, of organised crime enhances cooperation between the music industry, governments and law enforcement.

Interpol, the international police organisation formed, in 2002, its first Working Group on intellectual property crime. The Working Group will function as a forum for the exchange of information and facilitate investigation into IP offences. It will also offer support through training. The group will be multi-agency, with membership from public and private sectors, including IFPI, representing the international recording industry. (Link from Ist mention of Working Group to PR July 29 Recording industry welcomes Interpol etc…)

IFPI also works actively with the World Customs Organisation, along with other global commercial brand owners, through the WCO's business partnership initiative. IFPI helps train customs officials in identifying suspect product, and enabling them to take action quickly and effectively.

For more information on training, click here

For examples of the links between piracy and organised crime click here, see the following:

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Music Piracy, Serious, Violent and Organised Crime - 4th edition