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DOJ Raids Internet Piracy Sites in 11 Countries

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it has launched "Operation Site Down," conducting some 90 searches in 11 countries and arresting several people suspected of running Internet piracy sites where users could download movies, music and software for free. The government said its actions targeted "warez" piracy groups including RiSCISO, Myth, TDA, LND, Goodfellaz, Hoodlum, Vengeance, Centropy, Wasted Time, Paranoid, Corrupt, Gamerz, AdmitONE, Hellbound, KGS, BBX, KHG, NOX, NFR, CDZ, TUN and BHP -- resulting in seizure of hundreds of computers and the shut down of at least eight major file-sharing servers. The Department of Justice estimated the sites offered movies, software and other content valued at over $50 million, including the recently released Star Wars film. "Our objective in this operation was to find and dismantle large-scale criminal enterprises that illegally obtain, copy, distribute, and trade in copyrighted software, music, movies, and video games," said U.S. Atty. General Alberto Gonzales.

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