Back to top
DVDs “Movie-Queen” Busted
On 21 Mar 2007, at about 2050 hrs, more than 1000 illegal DVD movies were retrieved from a Malaysia-registered car arriving at Woodlands Checkpoint.
2 Upon arrival, the car was diverted by the checkpoint officer for more detailed checks. In the course of the checks, the alert officers found DVDs, suspected to be uncensored and obscene, hidden in the vehicle. Most of the DVDs were retrieved from under the driver and passenger seats, while the rest were found under the rear carriage compartment of the car. A total of 1021 DVDs were recovered.
3 The driver, a 31-year old Malaysian Chinese, was immediately placed under arrest. When questioned, the female subject admitted knowledge of the exhibits, and claimed that she was offered about RM$1000 to smuggle the DVDs into Singapore.
4 The driver was subsequently referred to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for further investigations while the vehicle was handed over to Singapore Customs.
Related penalties
5 Under the Copyright Act (Cap 63), persons found guilty of selling or distributing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists are liable to a fine of up to $10,000/- per article (or up to a maximum fine of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 5 years. Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of importing obscene films are liable to a fine not less than $1,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 12 months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine not less than $2,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 2 years.
2 Upon arrival, the car was diverted by the checkpoint officer for more detailed checks. In the course of the checks, the alert officers found DVDs, suspected to be uncensored and obscene, hidden in the vehicle. Most of the DVDs were retrieved from under the driver and passenger seats, while the rest were found under the rear carriage compartment of the car. A total of 1021 DVDs were recovered.
3 The driver, a 31-year old Malaysian Chinese, was immediately placed under arrest. When questioned, the female subject admitted knowledge of the exhibits, and claimed that she was offered about RM$1000 to smuggle the DVDs into Singapore.
4 The driver was subsequently referred to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for further investigations while the vehicle was handed over to Singapore Customs.
Related penalties
5 Under the Copyright Act (Cap 63), persons found guilty of selling or distributing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists are liable to a fine of up to $10,000/- per article (or up to a maximum fine of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 5 years. Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of importing obscene films are liable to a fine not less than $1,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 12 months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine not less than $2,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 2 years.