As Millennials know all-too-well, online piracy has remained rampant for years. The FBI and other international agencies are always working overtime in an attempt to catch up with skilled cyber users who continue to upload proprietary content online.
One such piracy website, Megaupload, was online for years before getting taken down in 2012 by the FBI. According to Prosecutors, the online piracy site was able to gain profits exceeding $175 million before getting shut down. The site made money by providing proprietary TV shows, songs, and movies to users.
The FBI finally realized that the site is based out of New Zealand. Two of the founders were arrested years ago, but they’ve continued to fight legal battles over the past ten years. The FBI, of course, wants to have the two New Zealand residents extradited to the US to face charges. The two founders, though, have fought hard to reach a deal that would keep them in their home country. A deal has finally been reached between New Zealand and US prosecutors. The two founders will remain in New Zealand where they’ll face up to ten years in prison.
Yet another founder, though, is still getting targeted by the FBI.
Penalties Associated With Piracy
Did you know that the FBI will go after international residents for decades to charge them with piracy? If not, then you now know how severe piracy charges are internationally. After all, the scam did defraud creators out of millions of dollars.
In the United States, piracy, or the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted work, is a crime that’s punishable by up to five years in federal prison. What’s more, suspects are expected to pay a fine of up to $250,00. After the criminal sentence, you’ll likely be expected to serve out a lengthy probation term, too.
That’s not even the least of your worries, either. In the United States, the civil court system gives victims even more of a chance at legal justice by giving victims the opportunity to seek out financial compensation from you for the losses they suffered due to the act of piracy. For instance, if Megaupload took a US film and uploaded it on their site, then the movie producer could sue Megaupload in court for the damages or losses they incurred as a result.
Are You Looking for International Legal Representation?
If you’ve been charged with piracy or a similar crime internationally, then it’s best to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. Like the founders of Megaupload, other countries may seek to extradite you to their country to face penalties there. What’s more, you can face penalties and convictions in both countries for the same crime.
That’s why you need international legal representation to help you secure the best possible outcome. It’s best to have your lawyer seek an agreement between the countries when you’re facing charges in multiple countries, like the founders of Megaupload did.
Are you ready to consult with an international lawyer? Leave your contact details on our online form now to get in touch.