ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Nine locations in Ontario were raided two weeks ago in order to put a stop to satellite signal piracy.
EchoStar Communications, along with encryption company NagraStar, and Bell ExpressVu announced Friday that, in a joint effort, civil search and seizure raids were conducted throughout Ontario on March 21.
As a result, nine locations were served and numerous items were seized, including thousands of devices used to circumvent the security of encrypted satellite signals, sales and customer records, and other documents. Large amounts of cash were located at several of the premises.
The Anton Piller order was granted based upon an overwhelming amount of evidence that was gathered during a year-long investigation by the companies and presented to a Canadian court, says the EchoStar announcement.
Per the court order, nine locations were served, including three major web sites involved in the distribution of satellite signal theft devices: www.dishmonkey.com, www.modchipit.com and www.crazycircuits.com.
Search and seizures were conducted in Barrie, Milton, Brampton, Mississauga, and Mt. Albert, Ont. at various locations including store front Sky High Electronics, manufacturing facility Bramtronics, several storage locations, and the personal residences of the named individuals within the Anton Piller.
This is one of many such actions conducted by Echostar, NagraStar and Bell ExpressVu in recent years in both Canada and the United States. The companies have and will continue to fight those who try to circumvent the security system by illegally intercepting the satellite signal being provided to legitimate customers.
A Bell spokesman declined further comment on the matter as it is before the courts when contacted by cartt.ca on Monday.
