FBI Takes Down 3 Sites Hosting Pirated Android Apps
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FBI Takes Down 3 Sites Hosting Pirated Android Apps
by Admin Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:25 pm
The Department of Justice said on Tuesday that it has seized the domain names of three websites serving up pirated copies of Android apps (APK files): applanet.net, appbucket.net and snappzmarket.com. This was reportedly the first time website domains involving cell phone app marketplaces have been seized, and was accomplished thanks to a coordinated effort with Dutch and French law enforcement officials.
"Cracking down on piracy of copyrighted works – including popular apps – is a top priority of the Criminal Division," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "Software apps have become an increasingly essential part of our nation’s economy and creative culture, and the Criminal Division is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the creators of these apps and other forms of intellectual property from those who seek to steal it."
According to the report, FBI agents downloaded thousands of premium copyrighted Android apps from three alternative online markets that were suspected of dishing out Android warez. Most of these black market apps were stored on servers located outside the United States, forcing the FBI to turn to its international law enforcement partners to obtain or seize evidence stored on these servers. Nine search warrants were also executed in six different districts across the country as part of the operation.
The Department of Justice said that visitors heading to the three Android repositories looking for their pirated APK fix will now find a seizure banner smiling back, notifying them that the domain name has been seized by federal authorities. The banner also points out that willful copyright infringement is a federal crime -- even for pint-sized apps for your smartphone and tablet -- and carries penalties for first time offenders of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
"THis domain name has been seized by the FBI -- Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by a United States District Court under the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 981 and 2323," reads the warning.
“Criminal copyright laws apply to apps for cell phones and tablets, just as they do to other software, music and writings. These laws protect and encourage the hard work and ingenuity of software developers entering this growing and important part of our economy. We will continue to seize and shut down websites that market pirated apps, and to pursue those responsible for criminal charges if appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Yates.
The FBI is a full partner at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center). The IPR Center is one of the U.S. government’s key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. To report IP theft or to learn more about the IPR Center, visit www.IPRCenter.gov.
"Cracking down on piracy of copyrighted works – including popular apps – is a top priority of the Criminal Division," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "Software apps have become an increasingly essential part of our nation’s economy and creative culture, and the Criminal Division is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the creators of these apps and other forms of intellectual property from those who seek to steal it."
According to the report, FBI agents downloaded thousands of premium copyrighted Android apps from three alternative online markets that were suspected of dishing out Android warez. Most of these black market apps were stored on servers located outside the United States, forcing the FBI to turn to its international law enforcement partners to obtain or seize evidence stored on these servers. Nine search warrants were also executed in six different districts across the country as part of the operation.
The Department of Justice said that visitors heading to the three Android repositories looking for their pirated APK fix will now find a seizure banner smiling back, notifying them that the domain name has been seized by federal authorities. The banner also points out that willful copyright infringement is a federal crime -- even for pint-sized apps for your smartphone and tablet -- and carries penalties for first time offenders of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
"THis domain name has been seized by the FBI -- Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by a United States District Court under the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 981 and 2323," reads the warning.
“Criminal copyright laws apply to apps for cell phones and tablets, just as they do to other software, music and writings. These laws protect and encourage the hard work and ingenuity of software developers entering this growing and important part of our economy. We will continue to seize and shut down websites that market pirated apps, and to pursue those responsible for criminal charges if appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Yates.
The FBI is a full partner at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center). The IPR Center is one of the U.S. government’s key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. To report IP theft or to learn more about the IPR Center, visit www.IPRCenter.gov.
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