Thank
you, Attorney General Gonzalez.
My name is Lou Reigel and I am the Assistant Director
of the Cyber Division in the FBI.
This case is the culmination of three, detailed,
and thorough investigations which targeted the Warez
scene of intellectual property. Similar to the enforcement
action announced last year in Operation Fastlink,
today’s announcement is another sign of the
FBI’s unwavering commitment in pursuing these
individuals and organizations that break the law
by illegally distributing pirated materials.
The theft of this property strikes at the heart
of America's economy - where people are rewarded
for their hard work by being able to earn a living.
This theft deprives many Americans, and other workers
around the globe, their right to be paid for their
labor, and to enjoy the value of their hard work.
I would first like to thank the members of private
industry, the Motion Pictures Association of America
(MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA),
and the Business Software Alliance (BSA), who participated
in this case. Their assistance and contribution
are vital to the FBI's mission of protecting this
country's intellectual property.
I would also like to publicly thank our international
law enforcement partners in over 11 countries located
around the globe. Director Mueller has made cooperation
and the sharing of information a top priority of
the FBI - both here and around the world.
Every day, the FBI depends on our international
counterparts to help accomplish our mission. To
all the countries who participated in this case,
thanks for a job well done.
