Fake Indian Videos Seized In Blackburn, UK

Trading Standards Officers from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and investigators from the British Phonographic Industry Limited (BPI) seized over 8000 counterfeit DVD's and videos of "Bollywood" movies and dramas from three shops in Blackburn. 

The seizures are part of an ongoing joint operation, to educate and advise shops that sell and rent these films, to ensure that only legitimate goods are supplied to consumers. Traders were invited to a meeting last year where Trading Standards Officers and the BPI explained the legislation and were on hand to answer any questions about what goods could and could not be supplied. 

These seizures resulted from visits to shops in the Audley, Wensley Fold and Whalley Range areas to check that they are now fully compliant with the law. Any illegal goods found were seized and investigations are ongoing. 

Councillor Frank Connor, Executive Member for Citizens & Consumer Rights said "The Council takes a very serious approach to the enforcement of anti-piracy legislation. Our Officers are always available to help and advise shopkeepers who need any help as to how they can trade legally. However, those who continue to hire or sell these illegal copies should be aware that we will continue to visit them and will not hesitate to seize any illegal goods we find." 

David Martin, Director of Anti Piracy at the BPI said "I am extremely grateful for the professional assistance of the Trading Standards Officers from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council who have succeeded in seizing huge quantities of pirated music and film product from a number of outlets. Asian Bollywood piracy is a serious problem for the UK industry, it undermines the genuine trade and ultimately costs British jobs." 

For more information or press enquiries, please contact Lynn Travis (Public Relations and Communications Unit - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council) on 01254 585537.