The summons was issued after Victorian Police raids recovered a large number of smart cards and manufacturing equipment used in relation to gaining access to subscription TV services illegally.
The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) assisted the police investigation. According to ASTRA, the man will face a range of State and Federal criminal charges for breaches of copyright laws.
The industry group alleges that the man is one of Australia's leading Internet suppliers of pirated smart cards.
Debra Richards, executive director of ASTRA, said the illegal operations are undermining the viability of subscription TV and radio services.
ASTRA refused to disclose which pay TV services were targeted by the alleged piracy racket, nor to what extent. Whilst ASTRA claims to be able to substantiate its claim, it said it's concerned about whether it "would be damaging people's interests" to do so.
The latest police raids and subsequent summons are part of a Victorian Police crackdown on groups manufacturing and distributing illegal Pay TV decoding equipment.
"Debra Richards, executive director of ASTRA, said the illegal operations are undermining the viability of subscription TV and radio services."
Funny, I thought that the quality of subscription TV services was undermining its own viability, along with the pushy door to door sales people, watermarking and lack of true competition because we have such a small market.