Source: ELSPA Crime Unit.
Video and computer games stolen: another action of the IRA to increase their fundings..
On 13th December, Police officers examining a haul of counterfeit video and computer games at Carrickaneena were overpowered by masked gunmen, believed to be members of the Real IRA, who snatched back the goods and escaped with them in a van. The haul is estimated to have a street value in excess of £100,000. The officers were held at gunpoint during the raid, but were unharmed. |
Officers are certain that members of the Real IRA made up the gang who uses the counterfeit activities as a lucrative means of funding terrorism.
Just day's later police officers also uncovered a major counterfeiting base at nearby Dundalk where they arrested three men for their part in the criminal activity. At the property, police discovered thousands of fake videos and computer games discs. When they arrived, three CD copying machines were in operation. Officers again firmly believe that the counterfeit operation is linked with the Real IRA.
ELSPA is the industry body set up to protect the interests of the computer games publishers. During the period January to September this year alone they have carried out more than 700 raids which have resulted in the seizure of 162,737 counterfeit discs.
