According to an article by CNA, a Singaporean individual, Ge Xin, aged 36, has been taken to court on Tuesday, March 26, for offering illegal streaming devices and providing services to install unauthorized software, enabling customers to watch pirated content.
Ge’s two businesses, MT Gadget+ and Grandnew, have been similarly charged.
Infringed the copyrights of notable companies like Disney, Netflix etc
According to the allegations, Ge violated the copyright of companies such as Disney, Netflix, and the Football Association Premier League by distributing devices with pre-installed software that could stream copyrighted content, including movies and TV shows like Raya and the Last Dragon, The Adam Project, and Premier League matches.
Ge is also accused of infringing the copyright of other works, including Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Discovery Channel, and Top Gun Maverick.
The charges against Ge comprise 24 counts under the Copyright Act, which pertain to the distribution of illegal streaming devices or the installation of unauthorized software for customers to access copyrighted content.
The two businesses owned by Ge are also facing 12 charges each for corresponding offenses.
Raids were conducted by CID
In a statement released by the Singaporean Police, it was reported that on October 4, 2022, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department conducted simultaneous raids at various retail shops in Sim Lim Square, leading to the seizure of more than 400 units of illegal streaming devices from Ge’s two outlets.
This crackdown was the first publicized law enforcement action against illegal streaming devices since the ban on the sale of pirate set-top boxes was implemented in September 2021.
If Ge is found guilty, he may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both for each offense. His companies could be fined up to S$200,000 each.
The cases for Ge and his businesses have been postponed for pre-trial conferences.
Image source: Singapore Police Force