The investigation culminated in March 1997 with a 40-count indictment charging 17 individuals for allegedly conspiring to manufacture, import and distribute bootleg CDs. These individuals were operating in 12 foreign countries as well as the United States. Approximately 800,000 bootleg CDs were confiscated over the course of the investigation.

QUOTE: Don Valdez, RIAA Vice President, Anti-Piracy Legislation

"This sentencing sets a precedent across the globe. By removing some of the biggest international bootleggers out there, we've already seen a significant drop in the availability of bootleg sound recordings worldwide. The Recording Industry Association of America is grateful for the exceptional efforts of the U.S. Customs Service, especially Case Agent T.J. Nelson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Phillips, for bringing this case to a successful conclusion."

BACKGROUND:

As a result of the first phase of sentencing in August 1997, the defendants are now barred from making an application to reenter the United States for the next 20 years, and a total of $62,000 in fines and deportation were handed out. Alfonso Degaetano and Simon Carne, West Palm Beach, Florida; Hans Heimann, Wuppertal, Germany; Charles Leidelmeyer, Gravenhaag, the Netherlands; Roger Moenks, Goch, Germany; Mark Pursglove, London, England and Simone Romani, Milan, Italy, pled guilty to one felony count of trafficking in unauthorized recording of live musical performances and one felony count of smuggling.

Throughout September, October and November 1997, a total of $25,500 in fines were handed out to Scott Johnson, Long Island, New York; Robert Pettersen, Los Angeles, California; Jorge Garzon, Orlando, Florida and Ali Moghadam, Las Vegas, Nevada. The remaining defendants Georgio Serra and Carolina Albanese of the Republic of San Marino, Italy remain at large.

The RIAA:

The RIAA represents companies that create, manufacture or distribute more than 90% of the legitimate sound recordings sold in the United States. The RIAA's anti-piracy staff investigates the illegal production and distribution of pirated sound recordings, that cost the U.S. music industry hundreds of millions a dollars a year domestically. Consumers and retailers can report suspected music piracy to the RIAA by dialing a toll-free hotline, 1-800-BAD-BEAT or sending email to badbeat@riaa.com.