"We have executed a search warrant [on the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)] which is connected to the investigation into the alleged AU$60 million piracy matter," a spokesperson for the AFP told ZDNet Australia .
The spokesperson declined to comment on whether anything of note was discovered at the University or any further action that will be taken.
Last month three tertiary students, Charles Ng, Tommy Le and Peter Tran, were charged with copyright infringement following an AFP investigation assisted by Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI). They were charged over an Australian-based Web site, MP3 WMA land, which allegedly offered illegal downloads of copyright-protected music.
The case was deferred until July 8. If the accused are found guilty they face maximum penalties of up to five years jail and/or a AU$60,500 fine.
The music industry has stepped up its battle against online pirates in recent months. Justice Brian Tamberlin is due to hand down his verdict in the Federal Court case pitching music industry giants against three Australian universities this afternoon, which is poised to go to appeal whatever the decision. MIPI has written to the State Ombudsmen of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania asking for an independent investigation into the behaviour of the universities during the case.
The effect of illegal online trading in music files on the music industry is also controversial, with some reports finding the practice increases the overall amount of money filesharers spend on music.
It's nice to know while we have a wide array of actual serious crimes occuring on our shores (and yet to occur crimes which are thwarted with the help of good information and informants) our Federal Police are raiding Universities at the request of the music industry to stamp out a serious criminal empire.
Can hardly imagine the excitement and patting on the back the Federal Police did after truly busting a major criminal enterprise wide open down at the pub after the raid (in fairness though their hands were probably tied over the matter - I am sure the Feds themselves would prefer to actually raid serious crims).