19 Charged in Alleged Software Piracy Plot

Brainsur writes " A federal grand jury has indicted 19 people on charges they used the Internet to pirate more than $6.5 million worth of copyrighted computer software, games and movies.The indictment outlines an alleged plot by defendants from nine states, Australia and Barbados to illegally distribute newly released titles, including movies like "The Incredibles" and "The Aviator," and games like "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005."

Comments

Re:WTF?

[TubeSteak]

Conspiracy is usually treated harshly because we tend to assume that one person can only do so much damage. Gather other people into your crime allows you and your conspirators to side -step all the laws & procedures that are in place to prevent abuses by one person.

Conspiracy also implies premeditation, which automatically makes any crime worse.

Re:6.5 million?

[lostboy2]

What is that 6.5 million based on? Is that the retail price of the product normally?

I'm guessing that it's the "value" of the merchandise, as reported by the companies who made it.

As I understand it, companies over-inflate their products' value so it looks like they're giving you a great discount. That's why the Ronco Six Star Plus Cutlery Set has an $850 value but is yours for only $39.95 (plus Shipping and Handling), and why all that crap they had on Wheel of Fortune cost so much.