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19 hackers charged
by Nikola Strahija on February 6th, 2006 The US government has raised charges against 19 hackers, members of an international group of almost 60 people, accusing them of massive copyright theft.
The group, known as RISCISO, specialized in sharing copyrighted software, games and films. Although the group didn't profit from breaking copyright, almost 60 of their members shared access to computer servers loaded with products that would fill 23,000 compact discs. The estimated damage of this actions is $6.5m.
RISCISO mainly consisted of computer experts, who cracked expiration and encryption codes built into trial software available on the internet, on computer games, and on first-run movies intended only for reviewers and screeners.
All 19 face a charge of conspiracy to commit copyright infringement, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
