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US Customs authorities launched Wednesday a sweeping
crackdown on the sale and distribution of modification chips and
electronic devices that lets users play pirated video games.
Federal agents executed 32 search warrants in 16 states including
California, Florida, Hawaii and New York.
"This investigation represents the largest national enforcement
action of its kind targeting this type of illegal activity," a
statement from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
read.
The banned chips and devices "let users play illegally
obtained, pirated and/or counterfeit software on video game consoles
including Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's XBOX and XBOX 360, and
Nintendo's Wii."
The targets were "subjects who are allegedly involved in the
direct importation, installation, sale, and distribution of the
devices that are of foreign manufacture and smuggled into the United
States," the statement read.
According to the US Chamber of Commerce, counterfeiting and piracy
costs the US economy between 200 billion and 250 billion a year.
-- AFP
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