Officials from ELSPA’s Anti-Piracy Unit in the UK have revealed that an ex-couple have been ordered to pay back £600,000 ($1.14m) under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), following convictions for counterfeiting offences in 2005.
Andrew King, 53, and Angela Susan Jones (formerly King’s wife, but now separated), 42, were ordered back to Liverpool Crown Court for a hearing on August 2nd, after having been previously imprisoned for 21 months and six months, respectively, for pirating offences brought to light by an ELSPA Anti-Piracy Unit investigator.
The court assessed that Mr King’s financial benefit from criminality was £198,256.52 ($378,158), with Jones’ calculated at £437,725.17 ($834,883). An order was made that they pay back this amount within six months or serve 30 months and three years imprisonment in default, respectively. Should King and Jones fail to make payment before the expiration of this deadline, they must still pay back the outstanding balance after serving their sentences.
Michael Rawlinson, director general of ELSPA (The Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) commented: "This case demonstrates the enormous penalties faced by those who sell illegally copied computer and video games. Any profit made through this kind of activity can be claimed back under POCA, and shows anyone tempted to become involved that piracy doesn't pay."
