Illegal video games seized; suspect charged

A search earlier this month in Saskatoon has netted thousands of dollars in illegal video games.

The Saskatoon Border Integrity Section of the RCMP in conjunction with Regina Technological Crime Unit conducted a search of a residence on Boychuk Drive in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with respect to an investigation regarding intellectual property crime offences.

The investigation was initiated when an online advertisement had been observed indicating several modified video game consoles were being sold with pre-loaded or copied video games already installed. Upon searching the residence over 7000 individual items were seized which if sold authentically would be valued at over $203,000. The various companies at loss due to this type of offence under the Copyright Act include Nintendo, Sony, Sega, and Microsoft.

As a result of the search and investigation, charges are pending against a 35-year-old male from Saskatoon. He is facing various charges under both the Criminal Code of Canada and Copyright Act. He will make his first appearance in court on December 7th, 2010 in Saskatoon.