ARRESTS MADE IN COUNTERFEIT MUSIC STING OPERATION

MIRA LOMA, CALIFORNIA, November 8, 2007: Seven people were arrested Friday during a sting operation conducted by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) it was announced today.

Seven people were arrested and one large scale illegal business shut down for selling and producing counterfeit music recordings. A total of 100,767 illegal CDs were seized with a street value of $1,391,913.30. This figure made it the largest seizure in Riverside County according R.I.A.A. representatives. Arrested were Miguel Robles, Javier Flores, Ruben Gonzalez, and Felipe Olivares of Bell Gardens; Gerardo Ibanez of Los Angeles; and Rodolfo Reyes and Javier Mora of Fontana. All have been charged with felony possession for sale of illegal CDs/movies. They are being held on $1.3 million bail each. They are expected to appear in Riverside Superior Court for a preliminary hearing on November 20.

"On behalf of the RIAA, I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated workforce of the Riverside County District Attorney's Office and Riverside County Sheriff's Department for their successful action this week against a massive pirate distribution operation. Their efforts in bringing to justice those who are active in the underground illegal market help protect the economic health of local music retailers and the continuing flow of important tax revenue from legitimate purchases.

The music industry's work with law enforcement authorities is an integral part of comprehensive anti-piracy efforts. I greatly appreciate the recognition of the importance of piracy cases by California law enforcement authorities and look forward to our continued work together to curb the illegal music trade," said Brad Buckles, Executive Vice President, Anti-Piracy, RIAA.

The operation was conducted at a business park located at 10427 San Sevaine in Mira Loma following an extensive investigation. The RIAA received tips that illegal pirated music was being shipped from the location. Subsequent surveillance confirmed that the location was involved in the production and distribution of the pirated CDs and recordings.

In this operation, investigators were targeting high-level offenders after an investigation of complaints and blatant violators of California Law protecting such merchandise. More arrests are expected as a result of this investigation.

Possessing for sale over 100 illegal CDs and/or movies is a felony punishable by five years in state prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office and the Recording Industry Association of America are conducting such operations in an effort to curtail and prevent the spread of consumer fraud and organized criminal activity.

The RIAA and the Riverside County District Attorney's Office conduct sting operations on a regular basis. The purpose is to highlight the dangers to consumers who buy counterfeit merchandise and to educate the public on the ties money generated from the sale of illegal merchandise has to gangs, organized crime and funding of terrorist activity inside and outside the United States.

Before buying any CDs, the RIAA recommends that consumers verify the product is produced by the entertainment industry.

If you are aware of counterfeit merchandise being produced or sold or have information regarding such illegal activity please contact Sr. Investigator Scott Michaels of the Riverside County District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation at (951) 955-5430.