Cyber pedlars find ways to stay one step ahead
16th October 2006 (New Straits Times)

GEORGE TOWN: The arrest of a couple for selling pirated DVDs online here last week may only be scratching the surface of the phenomenon.

Sources said the number of Internet-based pirated disc pedlars has increased steadily over the last few years as conventional sale methods were hit by crackdowns.

"Life has been difficult for the roadside pedlars and those operating in permanent premises," a Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry source said.

"As such, it is not surprising that they are transforming into cyber pedlars."

They are operating individually or in small groups and have links to big players in the state.

Penang enforcement chief M. Guna Selan said it was possible there were now more cyber pirates in the state.

"We are keeping tabs on their activities with help from the Motion Pictures Association representatives," he said.

The lure of cyberspace is its safer environment and bigger profit margins.

Another attraction is that the pedlars need not carry large stocks of the illegal wares.

Since they are only dealing with foreign clients, the pedlars have built firewalls to shield themselves from the authorities.

"Their websites are attached to servers overseas, in the United States and the European countries, which buy them a bit more time.

"They can also quickly build new websites and shift their operations to a new location when detected," said a source.

They are also finding new ways to stay a step ahead of enforcement agencies.

Recently, some cyber pedlars began delivering their goods in smaller packages, using thick boxes.

This prevented the scanners at airports picking out their consignments.

"Sending big or bulky parcels would attract the attention of the enforcement officers."