SHERBROOKE – Charges are expected to be laid after the RCMP arrested a man in Sherbrooke, Quebec this week in connection with the theft of satellite signals and possession of equipment used to intercept satellite signals.
“The search conducted in the residence of the alleged offender led to the seizure of cash and a vehicle. The investigators also found devices that could or would have been used to steal satellite signals. This equipment will be examined by experts,” said Corporal Sylvain L’Heureux of the RCMP Communications Office.
The arrest came as a result of a joint effort by the RCMP, Industry Canada, the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association, Bell Express Vu, and Canada Post.
The RCMP said in a statement that the suspect, who has not yet been formally charged, operates a computer business, and imported and sold satellite piracy equipment. The man is also alleged to have modified satellite receivers for the purpose of illegally intercepting signals.
The RCMP said that he rented post office boxes where he received the equipment and decoders that were offered for sale on the Internet. The alleged offender is also believed to have operated an Internet site hosting a chatroom where users shared tips on satellite signal piracy.
The man could be charged with importing, modifying and selling equipment contrary to the federal Radiocommunication Act. He could also be accused under the Criminal Code of theft of satellite signals and possession of device to obtain telecommunication facility or service. Any person found guilty of such offences is liable to imprisonment for a maximum of two years.
Industry Canada says the theft of satellite signals accounts for losses estimated at more than $300 million dollars annually for the Canadian economy.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed an application by two Quebec men seeking to appeal their conviction on charges of satellite TV-signal piracy. The pair will soon return to court for sentencing.
