FACT was pleased to support the latest initiative by the Organised Crime Task Force in Northern Ireland at an event attended by Paul Goggins, Policing and Justice Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force. He stated that “Buying fakes funds real crime and lines the pockets of criminals”.

He was speaking at yesterday’s launch of the Organised Crime Task Force’s Christmas advertising campaign which is aimed at highlighting the link between buying counterfeit goods and funding crime.

He said “Before you buy fake goods think about what you are really paying for? You could in reality be funding drugs, violent crime and criminal lifestyles by purchasing a dodgy DVD or a pair of fake designer jeans. That’s not much of a bargain and it’s not something that most people will want to be associated with.

Eddy Leviten, Head of Communications at FACT added: “FACT is delighted to support this campaign from the OCTF as it highlights the way that organised criminal networks are using audio-visual piracy to generate substantial profits as well as fund other criminal activities.

We have a strong working relationship with PSNI and in particular with the IP Crime Unit and we continue to see the benefits of this cooperation across Northern Ireland.”

The campaign is funded by the Northern Ireland Office, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Federation Against Copyright Theft, and includes funding from the PSNI Assets Recovery Fund.