THOUSANDS of master discs which may have been used to pirate music, films and games have been seized in Bury.

Three computer operated duplication systems, including a seven-bay high speed CD duplicator, often used for illegal copying, were also taken in Thursday's (July 3) raid by police and trading standards inspectors.

A man aged in his 40s is now facing possible charges under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988), the Trade Marks Act (1994) and the Trade Descriptions Act (1968).

The raid followed an investigation by the MCPS Anti-Piracy Unit, an organisation which investigates the illegal use of the works of composers and songwriters. Unit investigators believe this operation was offering counterfeit music CDs for sale via mail order and a subscription service from a website.

Nick Kounoupias, of the MCPS Anti-Piracy Unit, said: "Here is further evidence of the commercial music counterfeiter who bases his or her illegal business in their home and uses the Internet to sell their product. Many believe they won't get caught if they use the Internet, but the repeated success of our investigations proves otherwise."

Peter Jagger, Bury Council's trading standards manager, said: "It is not just big businesses that suffer as a result of this type of activity. Local people suffer when money is diverted from the legitimate economy. Jobs can be lost and genuine traders lose business and earnings. People can make a difference by not being tempted to buy cheap, fake CDs."

Anyone wishing to bring counterfeiting to the council's attention can contact trading standards on 0161 253 5566.