More than 180 people have been charged and a further 10,000 are being investigated by the Italian police after a series of raids to shut down one of Europe's biggest internet piracy rings, it was revealed yesterday.
Operation Mouse, led by the financial police, began with a single email address, which led to a sophisticated network selling counterfeit software, music and films worth millions of euros.
In the raids, which took place in 30 Italian provinces over six months, the police seized counterfeit products of all the main software manufacturers, faked CDs of performers such as Robbie Williams and Madonna, and Italian releases of films such as Gangs of New York.
The network used anonymous emails and illegal websites to market and distribute its products.
The illegal activities do sound rather familiar.... Let us hope that Tipster can get in contact with the Carabineri
