Huge Polish ‘Masterbox' piracy ring busted

A joint effort from law enforcement agencies and anti-piracy organizations from Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium has led to the biggest anti-piracy raid ever in the European Union. This Monday the Polish police raided optical disc manufacturing plants in Warsaw, Rybnik and Zabki. The plants produced the so-called ‘Masterbox’ a collection of DVDs containing pirated movies, TV-series, music and adult content aimed at the Dutch market. Four suspects have been apprehended, including the ring leader.

During the raid master discs used for pressing the illegal DVDs were confiscated as well as some 42,000 illegal discs ready for shipment. Prices on the street for the Masterbox ranged from 25 to 50 euro. A preliminary estimate of damages on the basis of confiscated evidence is 8.8 million euro, of which 2/3 relates to film and 1/3 to music.

The operation was brought to the attention of the authorities by Dutch anti-piracy organisation BREIN. A seizure by the German Customs organization ultimately led to the identification of the Polish plants. According to sources close to the investigation, the swift and decisive action undertaken by the Polish police was of particular importance for the success of the operation.

Source: Komenda Stoleczna Policji