RIMOUSKI – Last Tuesday, the RCMP put an end to the unlawful activities of two Rivière-du-Loup residents specializing in satellite television signal piracy.
RCMP investigators searched residences of the two suspects and seized various types of equipment used to steal Bell ExpressVu satellite television signals. The two suspects were arrested and could face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and Radiocommunication Act.
The two searches were carried out in partnership with Industry Canada, Bell Canada Security and the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association – Investigation Division, and resulted in the seizure of decoders, various software, Bell ExpressVu access cards and computers. The analysis of the hard disks found on the premises could lead to other individuals linked to the suspects, said the police.
The RCMP also issued a reminder that it will pursue appropriate action in order to enforce applicable laws pertaining to illegal business practices and the theft of telecommunication. The theft of satellite signals accounts for losses estimated at more than $100 million annually for the Canadian economy, said the release.
The RCMP "takes this opportunity to promote public awareness of this social evil and to encourage electronic equipment retailers and consumers to refrain from engaging in this illegal trade," it concluded.
