The IFPI, the evil legion of record companies, has struck another blow against file-sharing by using IPRED legislation in Sweden to force police to take action against illicit file-sharers.
Police recently raided file-sharers, suspected of sharing between 9,000 and 17,000 tracks, in five separate locations: Gothenburg, Docksta, Handen, and Upplands Väsby. One 28-year-old man, suspected to be the hub owner, was arrested while others had their equipment confiscated.
Speaking with Swedish radio, IFPI Sweden’s chief executive Lars Gustafsson announced that “This business is still too large. There are so many new and good options there is really no reason anymore for people to steal music.”
In contrast, Rick Falkvinge, leader of the Swedish Party, criticized both the raids, and the IPRED legislation that made them possible, saying, “When the police go in and take people’s private computers because they have shared music, it’s completely wrong.”
Beware (if you are Swedish and run a illegal music hub).